Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsTaqueria ChicagoCarnitas Taco Recipe

Carnitas Taco Recipe

Inspired by Taqueria Chicago
Time8h 10m
Serves10

Slow-cooked pork with fresh cilantro and onions

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Pork Preparation

Taco Assembly

Method

Pork Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pork

    Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks.

  2. 2

    Season the Meat

    In a large bowl, mix together the cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork chunks.

  3. 3

    Add Aromatics

    Peel and smash the garlic cloves. Chop the large onion into quarters and add both to the slow cooker along with the pork.

  4. 4

    Add Liquids

    Pour the orange juice and lime juice over the pork in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves.

  5. 5

    Slow Cook the Pork

    Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Taco Assembly

  1. 6

    Shred the Pork

    Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat and the bay leaves.

  2. 7

    Prepare the Toppings

    Finely chop the small onion and fresh cilantro.

  3. 8

    Warm the Tortillas

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

  4. 9

    Assemble the Tacos

    Place a generous amount of shredded pork on each tortilla. Top with chopped onion and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and salsa on the side.

More from Taqueria Chicago