If you’re a fan of slow cooker recipes, you’re in for a treat with these mouthwatering Crispy Pork Street Tacos. The beauty of this recipe lies in the incredible fusion of flavors that come together effortlessly in your slow cooker. And the best part? Popping the carnitas under the broiler at the end ensures that they come out perfectly crispy!
Say goodbye to the days of boring crockpot roasts and hello to a new world of culinary possibilities. Dust off your slow cooker and let’s embark on a flavor-packed journey. Whether it’s the tantalizing Butter Chicken, the irresistible Osso Buco, or the soul-warming Chicken Tortilla Soup, your slow cooker is ready to work its magic.
But today, we’re focusing on these delectable Slow Cooker Carnitas, a meat lover’s dream come true. Forget about the heavy Americanized tacos loaded with cheese, sour cream, and salsa – these street tacos are all about the meat. The secret to their incredible tenderness and flavor lies in the gentle slow cooking process. Trust me, they’re incredibly easy to make, and the results will leave you craving more.
🛒 Ingredients Needed
To make these Crispy Pork Street Tacos, here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork Shoulder: Bone-in or boneless, slightly trimmed of excess fat. You can also use pork butt.
- Spices: A blend of garlic salt, cumin, oregano, brown sugar, basil, coriander, chili powder, and paprika. Alternatively, you can use taco seasoning.
- Fresh Oranges and Limes
- For Serving: Tortillas and your favorite toppings (see suggestions below ↓↓↓)
📋 How to Make
- In a small bowl, combine the spices.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork.
- Place the seasoned pork in your slow cooker and squeeze the lime and orange juice over it.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 10-12 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the pork is tender.
- Use forks to shred the meat.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the pulled pork in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Taste the pork for saltiness and adjust if needed.
- Place the shredded pork under the broiler until the tips turn browned and slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Enjoy the succulent carnitas in flour or corn tortillas with your favorite toppings!
✔️ How Do You Make Crispy Carnitas in the Crockpot?
To achieve that irresistible crispiness, simply pop your slow cooker carnitas under the broiler with a sprinkle of salt once they’re done cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning or excessive browning. The result? Perfectly browned, slightly crispy, and utterly delicious!
🥣 Toppings for Carnitas Street Tacos
While I personally enjoy my carnitas street tacos with a simple combination of cilantro, onions, and cotija cheese, there are endless topping possibilities to explore:
- Pineapple Salsa
- Salsa Taquera
- Guacamole
- Quick Pickled Onions
- Pico de Gallo
- Cilantro Lime Crema
- Chipotle Crema
- Vinegar Slaw
- And more! (Check out our selection of 9+ tasty taco sauces)
🕕 How to Store and Freeze
If you happen to have any leftover carnitas, fear not. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months. I find it useful to portion the cooked pork into individual freezer bags and freeze them flat for easy storage and quick access.
🍷 Wine Pairings
Pairing these authentic Mexican delights with beer is always a winning combination. Try a classic Corona, or opt for any light Mexican beer of your choice. If you prefer wine, a Tempranillo would beautifully complement the spices in the meat. And for those craving a refreshing cocktail, check out our top-rated Margarita recipes!
🍽 What to Serve with Pork Street Tacos
To complete your Mexican feast, consider serving these Pork Street Tacos with a selection of delectable sides:
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- Mexican Black Beans
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Oven-Roasted Carrots (Elote Style)
- Vinegar Slaw
- Instant Pot Mexican Rice
- And more! (Explore our extensive list of Taco Sides)
🌮 More Taco Recipes
If you’re a taco enthusiast like me, you’re in luck. Here are some tantalizing taco recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Taco Zucchini Boats
- Korean Tacos with Bulgogi Beef
- Slow Cooker Carnitas (yes, another variation!)
- Instant Pot Cuban Mojo Pork
- Sweet Potato Tacos with Chipotle Crema
- Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
🌟 More Slow Cooker Recipes
Looking for more slow cooker inspiration? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these beloved recipes:
- Slow Cooker Pork Chops
- Bolognese Sauce
- Salsa Chicken
- Butter Chicken
- Glazed Corned Beef and Cabbage
- And more! (Discover our collection of 37+ favorite Slow Cooker Recipes)
Did you try this pork street tacos recipe? If you loved these pork shoulder street tacos, please take a moment to give this recipe a star review. We would also be thrilled if you could share a picture of your finished dish on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us @platingsandpairings and use the hashtag #platingsandpairings.
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Don’t miss out on our delightful selection of 25+ Mexican Desserts! And for a quicker version of this recipe, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Carnitas.
This post was originally published in 2015 and was updated in 2023 to include new information and slight variations to the pork street tacos recipe.