Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSpoon and StableDuck Carnitas Tacos Recipe

Duck Carnitas Tacos Recipe

Inspired by Spoon and Stable
Time3h
Serves4

salsa verde, pickled jalapeño, onion ash crema, queso fresco

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Ingredients

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Duck Carnitas

Pickled Jalapeños

Method

Duck Carnitas

  1. 1

    Prepare the Duck

    Season duck legs with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. Rub the spices evenly over the meat.

  2. 2

    Sear the Duck

    In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Sear the duck legs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add Aromatics

    Add minced garlic, orange juice, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.

  4. 4

    Slow Cook

    Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 2-3 hours or until the duck is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

  5. 5

    Shred the Duck

    Remove the duck legs from the pot and shred the meat with two forks. Return the meat to the pot to absorb some of the juices.

Salsa Verde

  1. 6

    Prepare Tomatillos

    In a pot of boiling water, blanch the quartered tomatillos for 5 minutes until softened. Drain and cool.

  2. 7

    Blend Ingredients

    In a blender, combine the blanched tomatillos, cilantro, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Pickled Jalapeños

  1. 8

    Prepare the Brine

    In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves.

  2. 9

    Pickle the Jalapeños

    Place sliced jalapeños in a jar and pour the hot brine over them. Let them cool to room temperature then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Onion Ash Crema

  1. 10

    Char the Onion

    Char the onion over an open flame or under a broiler until blackened. Allow to cool, then finely chop.

  2. 11

    Mix the Crema

    In a bowl, combine sour cream, chopped charred onion, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.

Tacos

  1. 12

    Warm the Tortillas

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

  2. 13

    Assemble the Tacos

    In each tortilla, add a generous amount of duck carnitas, drizzle with salsa verde, top with pickled jalapeños, and a dollop of onion ash crema. Sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco.

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