If you’re craving a dish that brings the perfect crunch and irresistibly tender pork together, you’ve got to try this Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe. It’s a celebration of slow-cooked, juicy pork shoulder coated with a flavorful blend of spices and then finished off under the broiler for that ideal crispy finish you dream about. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, these tacos pack zesty citrus brightness, savory warmth, and a texture contrast that makes each bite addictive. Honestly, once you make these carnitas, they’ll become a new favorite for taco nights, potlucks, or whenever you want a dish that feels both comforting and festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients ensures your Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe bursts with amazing flavors and textures. Each element plays its part: tender pork shoulder is the star, spices add warmth and depth, and fresh citrus juice brings a lively brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 4-5 pounds boneless pork shoulder: This cut’s marbling is essential for juicy, tender carnitas.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Adds smoky warmth; you can adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or hot variety.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the pork beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Brings that earthy, slightly nutty flavor that’s classic in carnitas.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors; a crucial ingredient for seasoning the meat well.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the meat moist during cooking and adds savory depth.
- Juice of 1 large orange: Brightens the dish with a sunny citrus tang and helps tenderize the pork.
- Juice of 1 lime: Adds fresh acidity for balance and zest.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Infuses the cooking liquid with sweetness and body.
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped: Bring a gentle spicy kick that livens everything up.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Punches up the savory profile of the carnitas.
- For serving: warmed corn tortillas, lime wedges, red onions, avocado, cilantro, etc.: Optional but highly recommended to customize your taco experience.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pork
Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, cut your pork shoulder into four manageable pieces. Don’t trim off the fat; that’s what makes the carnitas so juicy and flavorful. Removing any string around the roast will help the spice rub stick better and give even cooking. This prep stage sets the foundation for succulent results.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Spice Rub
In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. This blend is where the savory warmth of your Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe really begins. Coat each piece of pork thoroughly with the spices, ensuring every nook and cranny is kissed with flavor. This step locks in the tantalizing taste that will infuse your meat.
Step 3: Layer the Aromatics and Juices
Place the spiced pork in a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot. Scatter the chopped onions, jalapenos, and minced garlic over and around the pork. Pour in the chicken broth along with fresh juices from the orange and lime—these brighten up the hotel rich pork and support a lovely tenderizing effect. Their combined sweetness and acidity are indispensable for balance.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your pot and let the pork cook low and slow in the oven for 2 hours. Then remove the lid and continue cooking for another 90 minutes until the meat is irresistibly tender and falling apart easily. This slow method makes your carnitas bursting with juicy flavor, ready for the crispy finish that sets this recipe apart.
Step 5: Shred and Prepare for Crisping
Once the pork is tender, transfer it to a baking sheet and use two forks to shred the meat. Ladle about a cup of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful. You can serve it right here for a soft texture, but the signature crispiness comes next, which will elevate your Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe to a whole new level.
Step 6: Broil for That Perfect Crunch
Move your oven rack up to the top third and switch to broil. Spread the shredded pork evenly on the baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes, then check for golden-brown, crispy bits. Broil further if needed, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. The broiler method crisps the pork beautifully, delivering a texture contrast that makes these tacos unforgettable.
Step 7: Alternatively, Crisp in a Skillet
If you prefer, you can crisp the carnitas in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and some leftover cooking juices—if there isn’t enough fat, adding a touch of oil or reserved bacon grease works wonders. Sear until you get brown, crispy edges, then toss and repeat in batches. This approach works great if you want more control over your crispy bits.
Step 8: Assemble Your Tacos
Fill warmed corn tortillas with your crispy carnitas, and get ready to enjoy the perfect bite that inspired this recipe’s name. Now your Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe is ready for the table and all the delicious fixings you crave.
How to Serve Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings are everything with carnitas tacos. Fresh cilantro leaves, diced red onions, and creamy avocado slices add a wonderful freshness and texture. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of lime to brighten every bite. These garnishes add color, zing, and personality to your tacos.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside classic Mexican sides like smoky black beans, vibrant Mexican street corn (elote), or a tangy cabbage slaw. These sides round out the meal beautifully and keep the flavors lively and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving carnitas tacos as a platter for sharing with small bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their own. Or make them into taco salads by piling the carnitas on a bed of greens, topped with crunchy tortilla strips, cheese, and salsa. Presentation can totally elevate the dining experience and make your Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe the star of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover carnitas keep wonderfully in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Mix the shredded pork with some of the cooking liquids to keep it moist. You’ll appreciate having this flavorful carnitas ready for quick tacos or burritos during the week.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the shredded pork with a bit of the cooking broth into freezer bags or containers. Properly stored, the carnitas will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Freeze in manageable quantities so you can thaw just what you need for meals later on.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat the carnitas gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispy edges. Adding a splash of the reserved cooking liquids will help keep the pork juicy. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered, until warm. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork shoulder is the best choice due to its fat content and tenderness, you can substitute pork butt, which is similar. Leaner cuts like loin will not yield the same moist, tender results.
What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
A heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot with a lid works just as well for slow cooking. If you don’t have that, use a slow cooker or covered roasting pan and adjust cook times accordingly.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili powder and jalapenos. You can reduce or omit jalapenos for less spice or add more chili powder or hot sauce to kick it up.
Can I make these carnitas ahead of time?
Absolutely! Carnitas are even better the next day when flavors meld more deeply. Just re-crisp under the broiler or in a skillet before serving for that perfect texture.
What tortillas work best?
Traditional warm corn tortillas are ideal for authentic flavor and texture, but flour tortillas work fine too if that’s your preference. Just make sure they’re warmed for pliability.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring life to their taco nights. It’s straightforward to make, packed with big flavors, and the irresistible crispy edges will have everyone coming back for seconds. Grab your ingredients, gather your friends or family, and enjoy the joy of making and sharing these outstanding carnitas tacos. You’ve got a new go-to recipe that’s sure to impress and satisfy every single time.
Print
Crispy Oven-Broiled Carnitas Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This authentic Carnitas recipe features tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with a flavorful blend of chili powder, oregano, cumin, and citrus juices. The pork is cooked low and slow in a Dutch oven until fall-apart tender, then crisped up under the broiler or in a skillet for the perfect texture. Serve in warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings for delicious Mexican-style tacos.
Ingredients
Pork and Marinade
- 4–5 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice from 1 large orange
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1–2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
For Serving (Optional)
- Warmed corn tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Red onions
- Avocado
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). If using a slow cooker instead, refer to the notes section below.
- Prepare Pork: Cut the pork shoulder into 4 smaller pieces, removing any string but keeping all the fat intact for flavor and moistness.
- Season Pork: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the pork pieces evenly with the spice mixture and place them in a Dutch oven.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Scatter chopped onions, jalapenos, and minced garlic over and around the pork. Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Cook Covered: Cover the Dutch oven and cook in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
- Cook Uncovered for Tenderness: Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1.5 hours or until the pork is fall-apart tender.
- Shred Pork: Transfer the pork to a baking sheet and shred it using two forks. Ladle about a cup of the remaining cooking liquid over the shredded meat and toss to coat.
- Crisp the Carnitas (Optional but Recommended): Method 1 – Oven Broil: Move the oven rack to the top third, set to broil, and broil the pork for about 5 minutes, checking frequently and broiling longer if needed to develop crispy edges.
Method 2 – Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add some shredded pork with cooking juices (add oil or lard if needed), and crisp one side at a time in batches. - Serve: Serve the carnitas in warmed corn tortillas with lime wedges, red onions, avocado, cilantro, or other toppings of your choice.
- Store Leftovers: Mix leftover cooking juices into the shredded pork before refrigerating to keep it moist. The juices will solidify into flavorful lard when cooled, which enhances reheats.
Notes
- You can use a slow cooker instead of an oven by cooking the seasoned pork on low for 8-10 hours until tender.
- The chili powder and salt amounts can be adjusted to taste, but they provide essential seasoning for authentic flavor.
- Keeping the fat on the pork shoulder is crucial for juicy and flavorful carnitas.
- Crisping the shredded pork is optional but highly recommended for texture contrast.
- Leftover cooking juices make excellent reheating moisture and enhance flavor when mixed back into the meat.
