Tacos

Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde

Name: Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 210 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, cut into large chunks; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed; 2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60ml) lard or vegetable oil

By Nathaniel Underhill · June 19, 2026 · Tacos

Prep30 min

Cook180 min

Total210 min

Serves8

Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde — Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa

As a second-generation cook from a Guadalajara family in San Antonio, I have always been passionate about sharing authentic Mexican recipes with my friends and family. One of my favorite dishes to make is Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde, a traditional Mexican recipe that is both easy to make and delicious to eat.

I remember helping my mother in the kitchen as a child, learning the secrets of traditional Mexican cooking and the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. As I grew older, I began to experiment with different recipes and techniques, always looking for ways to improve and refine my cooking skills.

Today, I am excited to share my recipe for Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde with you. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves Mexican food and wants to try something new and exciting. The combination of tender, slow-cooked pork and tangy, slightly spicy salsa verde is a match made in heaven, and I know you will love it just as much as I do.

So, let's get started! In this recipe, we will learn how to make Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde from scratch, using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional Mexican cooking techniques. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, I am confident that you will find this recipe easy to follow and fun to make.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the tacos with a variety of toppings, such as diced onions, sliced radishes, and sour cream, or you can keep it simple and let the pork and salsa verde take center stage. Either way, I know you will love the flavors and textures of this delicious Mexican dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
The combination of slow-cooked pork and tangy salsa verde is a match made in heaven
You can serve the tacos with a variety of toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal
The recipe is versatile and can be made with different types of meat or vegetables
The dish is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients you likely have on hand
The recipe is perfect for a crowd, as it makes a large batch of tacos

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the pork slowly, over low heat, until it is tender and juicy. This allows the flavors of the pork to meld together with the salsa verde, creating a rich, complex flavor profile that is both tangy and slightly spicy.

Another important factor in making this dish is the use of a comal or griddle to toast the chiles and char the tomatoes. This step is crucial, as it brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and gives the salsa verde a deep, smoky flavor that is characteristic of traditional Mexican cooking.

Finally, the use of lard or vegetable oil to fry the pork is essential, as it adds a rich, unctuous texture to the dish that is hard to replicate with other types of fat. By using these high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, we can create a truly authentic Mexican dish that is both delicious and memorable.

Overall, the combination of slow-cooked pork, tangy salsa verde, and crispy, fried tortillas makes Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde a truly special dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, let's get started and learn how to make this delicious Mexican recipe from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde, you will need a few simple ingredients, including pork shoulder, onion, garlic, and tomatillos. You will also need some traditional Mexican spices, such as cumin and oregano, as well as some lard or vegetable oil for frying.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality items, such as ripe tomatillos and fragrant spices. This will ensure that your dish has the best flavor and texture possible.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, cut into large chunksLook for a pork shoulder with a good balance of fat and lean meat, as this will help to keep the pork moist and flavorful during cooking
1 large onion, dicedUse a sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or a Maui, for the best flavor
4 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely, as this will help it to distribute evenly throughout the dish
4 tomatillos, husked and rinsedChoose fresh, ripe tomatillos for the best flavor and texture
2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seededUse dried arbol chiles for a spicy, smoky flavor, or substitute with dried guajillo chiles for a milder flavor
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminUse freshly ground cumin for the best flavor
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoChoose Mexican oregano for a more authentic flavor
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for a more nuanced flavor
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor
1/4 cup (60ml) lard or vegetable oilUse lard for a more authentic flavor, or substitute with vegetable oil for a lighter flavor

Ingredients for Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch oven with a lidComal or griddleBlender or food processorSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerTongs or slotted spoon

How to Make Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde

1
Heat the comal or griddle over medium-high heat, then toast the arbol chiles for 2-3 minutes on each side, until fragrant and slightly puffed
2
Remove the chiles from the heat and let them cool, then stem and seed them and place them in a blender or food processor
3
Add the tomatillos, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the blender or food processor, then blend until smooth
4
Heat the lard or vegetable oil in the large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the pork shoulder and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes
5
Add the blended salsa verde to the pot, then cover and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, until the pork is tender and the salsa has thickened
6
Remove the pot from the heat, then let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks and stirring it back into the salsa
7
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, then warm the tortillas for 30-60 seconds on each side, until pliable and slightly charred
8
Assemble the tacos by spooning the pork and salsa onto a warmed tortilla, then topping with your desired toppings, such as diced onion, sliced radishes, and sour cream
9
Serve the tacos immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice
10
Let the leftovers cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use

Expert Tips

Use a thermometer to ensure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 190F (88C)
Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding, as this will help the meat to stay tender and juicy
Use a comal or griddle to toast the chiles and char the tomatoes, as this will bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and give the salsa a deep, smoky flavor
Don't overcook the pork, as this will make it dry and tough
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as ripe tomatillos and fragrant spices, for the best flavor and texture
Experiment with different types of meat or vegetables, such as beef or chicken, for a unique twist on the recipe

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the chiles and charing the tomatoes, which can result in a bland and unbalanced salsa
Overcooking the pork, which can make it dry and tough
Not using fresh, high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish
Not letting the pork rest before shredding, which can make it difficult to shred and can result in a tough, stringy texture
Not using a thermometer to ensure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature, which can result in foodborne illness

Variations and Substitutions

Use beef or chicken instead of pork for a different flavor and texture
Add diced bell peppers or zucchini to the salsa for extra flavor and nutrients
Use different types of chiles, such as guajillo or habanero, for a unique flavor and heat level
Add a splash of vinegar or citrus juice to the salsa for a brighter, more balanced flavor
Top the tacos with diced avocado or sour cream for a creamy, rich texture
Use homemade tortillas instead of store-bought for a more authentic flavor and texture

What to Serve With Tacos De Carnitas Con Salsa Verde

Serve the tacos with your desired toppings, such as diced onion, sliced radishes, and sour cream. You can also serve with a side of Mexican street corn, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

For a fun and interactive meal, set up a taco bar with all the fixings, including diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced avocado. This will allow everyone to create their own unique tacos and enjoy the flavors and textures of this delicious Mexican dish.

Diced onionSliced radishesSour creamDiced avocadoShredded lettuceMexican street corn

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Let the leftovers cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use. The pork and salsa can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the frozen pork and salsa overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

You can also reheat the pork and salsa in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until warmed through.

For a make-ahead meal, prepare the pork and salsa a day or two in advance, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. Simply reheat and assemble the tacos just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for this recipe?

A pork shoulder with a good balance of fat and lean meat is best for this recipe, as it will stay moist and flavorful during cooking

Can I use different types of chiles for the salsa?

Yes, you can use different types of chiles, such as guajillo or habanero, for a unique flavor and heat level

How long can I store the leftovers?

The pork and salsa can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months

Can I make the recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pork and salsa a day or two in advance, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve

What type of tortillas are best for this recipe?

Warm, pliable tortillas, such as corn or flour, are best for this recipe

Can I add other ingredients to the salsa?

Yes, you can add diced bell peppers or zucchini to the salsa for extra flavor and nutrients

How do I reheat the leftovers?

You can reheat the pork and salsa in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until warmed through

Can I serve the tacos with other toppings?

Yes, you can serve the tacos with a variety of toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, and shredded lettuce

The Full Recipe

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