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Authentic Michoacán Carnitas Tacos Recipe

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    ChefPandas
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🌮 About This Dish

Originating from the picturesque state of Michoacán in Mexico, Carnitas Tacos are a beloved dish deeply rooted in the region's culinary heritage. Michoacán is renowned for its rich gastronomic traditions, and Carnitas Tacos stand out as a quintessential representation of the state's flavorful offerings. The dish traces its origins back to the 16th century when it was prepared as a celebratory meal during festivals and special occasions.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Pork Shoulder (Espaldilla de Cerdo)
  • Lard (Manteca)
  • Orange (Naranja)
  • Bay Leaves (Hojas de Laurel)
  • Cinnamon (Canela)
  • Oregano (Orégano)
  • Salt (Sal)
  • Onion (Cebolla)
  • Cilantro (Cilantro)
  • Corn Tortillas

✨ What Makes It Special

Carnitas Tacos are distinct for their cooking method, where the pork is slow-cooked in lard until tender and crispy, resulting in succulent and flavorful meat. The use of traditional seasonings like orange, bay leaves, and cinnamon imparts a unique taste that sets Michoacán Carnitas apart from other variations.

📝 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Pork Shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup Lard
  • 1 Orange, halved
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 tbsp Oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 Onion, quartered
  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • Corn Tortillas

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. In a large Dutch oven, combine pork, lard, orange halves, bay leaves, cinnamon, oregano, and salt.
  2. Place the pot over low heat and simmer for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
  3. Increase heat to medium and fry the pork until crispy, about 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the orange halves, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.
  5. Serve the carnitas on warm corn tortillas, topped with onion and cilantro.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: 4 hours
  • Total: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Carnitas Tacos are traditionally served with salsa verde, pickled red onions, lime wedges, and radishes. Accompany them with a side of refried beans and Mexican rice for a complete and authentic meal experience.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the pork overnight in the refrigerator with the orange juice and zest.
  • To achieve crispy carnitas, ensure the meat is well-browned during the frying stage.
  • Experiment with different cuts of pork for varied textures and flavors.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to retain their crispy texture.