Pork Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Pork Carnitas Street Tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful pork wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, these tacos are topped with fresh corn salsa, creamy guacamole, and crumbly queso fresco for a burst of traditional Mexican flavors.

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

1. Step 1: Heat half the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, toast the tortillas for 30 to 60 seconds per side, working in batches of 2 to 3 tortillas. Remove the tortillas and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high. Add the pork carnitas and cook without stirring for 3 to 5 minutes. Then stir and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
3. Step 3: Lay the toasted tortillas flat. Spoon a portion of the warm carnitas onto each tortilla. Top with corn salsa, a dollop of guacamole, and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the assembled tacos before serving.
• Swap the corn salsa for fresh pico de gallo or pickled red onions to change up the toppings.
• If you prefer a little heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top.
• Use flour tortillas instead of corn if you prefer a softer wrap.

Storage

Store leftover pork carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas separately wrapped to prevent them from drying out. Reheat carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and warm tortillas individually in a dry skillet or microwave before assembling tacos.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pork carnitas from scratch for this recipe?

Yes, homemade pork carnitas are a great option and can be made by slow-cooking pork shoulder with traditional spices until tender. Using pre-made carnitas saves time and works just as well for these street tacos.

What’s the best way to keep tortillas from tearing when warming?

Toast the tortillas quickly in a hot, dry skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This helps soften them and prevents tearing when folding the tacos.

Pork Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 761 reviews

These Pork Carnitas Street Tacos offer a delicious and authentic Mexican flavor with tender slow-cooked pork, crisp corn tortillas toasted to perfection, and classic toppings including corn salsa, guacamole, and queso fresco. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that captures the vibrant essence of street-style tacos.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 street tacos 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pork Carnitas

• 2 cups pork carnitas

Tortillas and Toppings

• 12 street taco sized corn tortillas
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup corn salsa
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• 1 ounce queso fresco, crumbled

Instructions

1. Toast the Tortillas: Heat half the vegetable oil (1 teaspoon) in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, toast the corn tortillas for 30 to 60 seconds on each side. You can fit 2 to 3 tortillas at a time in the skillet. Once toasted, set the tortillas aside on a plate.
2. Heat the Pork Carnitas: Add the remaining teaspoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet, then add the pork carnitas. Cook them without stirring for 3 to 5 minutes to get a slightly crisp texture. After that, stir the carnitas and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until they are heated through.
3. Assemble the Tacos: Lay the toasted tortillas flat on a serving surface. Place a scoop of the heated pork carnitas on each tortilla. Top each taco with a spoonful of corn salsa, a dollop of guacamole, and sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the top to complete your street tacos.

Notes

• To enhance the flavor, you can warm the corn salsa and guacamole slightly, but serving them fresh is also delicious.
• If you prefer a spicier taco, add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Make sure the skillet is properly heated before adding the tortillas to achieve a nice toast without drying them out.
• Pork carnitas are traditionally slow-cooked pork; using pre-made carnitas can save time.
• These tacos are best served immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.

Keywords: Pork Carnitas, Street Tacos, Mexican Tacos, Corn Tortillas, Guacamole, Queso Fresco, Corn Salsa, Easy Mexican Recipe