Pork Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Pork Carnitas Street Tacos are a flavorful and easy way to enjoy tender, savory pork wrapped in warm corn tortillas. This simple recipe brings together crisped tortillas, juicy carnitas, and fresh toppings for an authentic street food experience at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pork carnitas
• 12 street taco sized corn tortillas
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup corn salsa
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• 1 ounce queso fresco

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat half the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add 2-3 corn tortillas at a time and toast each side for 30-60 seconds until warm and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: Pour the remaining oil into the skillet. Add the pork carnitas and cook without stirring for 3-5 minutes to get crispy edges. Then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
3. Step 3: Lay the toasted tortillas flat. Spoon a generous amount of pork carnitas onto each tortilla. Top with corn salsa, a dollop of guacamole, and sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, warm the tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel after toasting to keep them soft.
• Swap guacamole for sliced avocado or a tangy crema for a different twist.
• Add pickled red onions or fresh cilantro for more brightness and color.
• If you prefer, use flour tortillas instead of corn for a softer texture.

Storage

Store any leftover pork carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas separate in a sealed bag to prevent drying out. Reheat carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until warm, and warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pork carnitas from scratch?

Yes, you can slow-cook pork shoulder with spices and broth to make homemade carnitas that are tender and flavorful. Store-bought carnitas are a convenient alternative.

What is queso fresco and can I substitute it?

Queso fresco is a mild, crumbly Mexican cheese. If unavailable, you can substitute with feta or cotija cheese for a similar texture and salty bite.

Pork Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 641 reviews

These Pork Carnitas Street Tacos bring the authentic flavors of Mexico straight to your table with tender, flavorful pork carnitas served on toasted corn tortillas, topped with fresh corn salsa, creamy guacamole, and crumbled queso fresco. Perfect as a quick and satisfying meal or for entertaining guests, these tacos combine simple ingredients with bold tastes for a delicious street-style experience at home.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 tacos 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pork Carnitas

• 2 cups pork carnitas

Tortillas and Oil

• 12 street taco sized corn tortillas
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Toppings

• 1/2 cup corn salsa
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• 1 ounce queso fresco

Instructions

1. Toast the Tortillas: Heat half the vegetable oil (1 teaspoon) in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 or 3 corn tortillas at a time and toast each side for 30-60 seconds until warm and slightly crispy. Remove and set the tortillas aside on a warm surface.
2. Heat the Carnitas: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the 2 cups of pork carnitas to the skillet and cook without stirring for 3-5 minutes to allow them to crisp up slightly. Then stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the carnitas are heated through and slightly caramelized.
3. Assemble the Tacos: Lay each toasted tortilla flat. Place a scoop of hot pork carnitas in the center of each tortilla. Top with the 1/2 cup corn salsa, add a dollop of 1/2 cup guacamole, and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco (about 1 ounce) to finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For an extra kick, add some chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
• Use fresh corn tortillas for best flavor and texture. If unavailable, warm frozen corn tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel.
• Leftover carnitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet for best results.
• Vegetarian version can be made using seasoned jackfruit or beans instead of pork carnitas.

Keywords: pork carnitas, street tacos, Mexican cuisine, corn tortillas, guacamole, queso fresco, corn salsa, quick tacos, authentic tacos