Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›LUNA Mexican Kitchen - The Alameda›Carnitas Tacos Recipe

Carnitas Tacos Recipe

Inspired by LUNA Mexican Kitchen - The Alameda
Time4h
Serves4

Niman Ranch pork, cilantro, onion, salsa cruda, with a side of refried beans and queso fresco

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Ingredients

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Carnitas

Taco Assembly

Method

Cooking the Carnitas

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pork

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the pork shoulder, garlic cloves, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Add enough water to cover the pork.

  2. 2

    Cook the Pork

    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 3-4 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

  3. 3

    Shred the Pork

    Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the pork using two forks and return the shredded meat to the pot, stirring it into the cooking liquid.

  4. 4

    Crisp the Pork

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are crispy.

Assembling the Tacos

  1. 5

    Warm the Tortillas

    In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.

  2. 6

    Build the Tacos

    On each tortilla, add a generous portion of the crispy carnitas, followed by a sprinkle of diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a spoonful of salsa cruda.

  3. 7

    Serve with Sides

    Serve the assembled tacos with crumbled queso fresco on top and a side of warm refried beans.

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