Crispy Pork Carnitas Tacos

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Crispy Pork Carnitas Tacos.

1. Step 1

   Begin by preheating your oven to a gentle 275°F (135°C).

2. Step 2

   While the oven warms up, prepare the pork by trimming away any excess fat and cutting the meat into 2-inch cubes.

3. Step 3

   Don’t forget to roughly chop the fat for added flavor.

4. Step 4

   In a spacious bowl, combine the pork cubes and chopped fat with minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, fresh orange juice, and a sprinkle of orange peel.

5. Step 5

   Season the mixture with kosher salt, bay leaves, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and Chinese 5-spice powder, ensuring every piece of pork is well-coated in this aromatic blend.

6. Step 6

   Next, transfer this flavorful mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, covering it tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

7. Step 7

   Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and let it bake in the preheated oven for approximately 3 and a half hours, or until the pork becomes irresistibly fork-tender.

8. Step 8

   Once the pork is cooked to perfection, adjust your oven rack to about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler.

9. Step 9

   Carefully remove the garlic, orange peel, and bay leaves from the baking dish, then transfer the succulent pork to a colander set over a bowl.

10. Step 10

    Pour the rich juices collected in the baking dish over the pork, then return the meat to the dish and drizzle it with some of those flavorful juices.

11. Step 11

    Broil the pork for 3 minutes, then drizzle more juices over it and continue broiling until it achieves a delightful crispy texture, which should take an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

12. Step 12

    Finally, transfer the crispy pork to a serving plate, drizzling any remaining juices on top.

13. Step 13

    Serve this mouthwatering dish and savor every bite!.