Name: Pork Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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

Introduction

Pork Carnitas Street Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. These tacos combine tender pork carnitas with fresh toppings wrapped in warm corn tortillas for an authentic taste of the street. Quick to prepare, they make a great option for lunch or dinner.

Pork Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Heat half the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, toast 2-3 tortillas at a time for 30-60 seconds per side until warm and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Add the remaining oil to the skillet and heat. Add the pork carnitas and cook without stirring for 3-5 minutes to let them crisp slightly. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 3: Lay the toasted tortillas flat. Spoon a portion of the warmed carnitas onto each tortilla. Top with corn salsa, a dollop of guacamole, and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet before toasting with oil.
Substitute pork carnitas with shredded chicken or beef if preferred.
Add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright, fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftover carnitas and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Warm tortillas separately to keep them soft and fresh before assembling tacos.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pork carnitas from scratch?

Yes, pork carnitas can be homemade by slow-cooking pork shoulder with spices until tender and then crisping it in a skillet. Using pre-made carnitas saves time for this recipe.

What can I use instead of queso fresco?

If queso fresco is unavailable, try crumbled feta or cotija cheese as good substitutes with a similar crumbly texture and mild flavor.

Pork Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 143 reviews

These Pork Carnitas Street Tacos are a delicious and authentic Mexican-inspired dish combining tender, flavorful pork carnitas with fresh corn salsa, creamy guacamole, and crumbly queso fresco, all wrapped in warm, toasted corn tortillas. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that bursts with bold flavors and textures.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 tacos 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Tortillas

2 cups pork carnitas
12 street taco sized corn tortillas

Oils and Toppings

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup corn salsa
1/2 cup guacamole
1 ounce queso fresco

Instructions

Toast the tortillas: Heat half the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2-3 tortillas at a time. Toast each side for 30 to 60 seconds until warm and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Heat the carnitas: In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add the pork carnitas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes without stirring to allow some crisping on one side. Then stir and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the carnitas are thoroughly heated through and slightly crispy.
Assemble the tacos: Lay out the toasted tortillas flat on a serving plate. Place a generous scoop of the heated carnitas in each tortilla. Top each with a spoonful of corn salsa, a dollop of creamy guacamole, and finish with a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately and enjoy your street tacos.