Authentic Mexican Street Tacos Carnitas Style

Q: The shops only had large tortillas - can I use them for this authentic mexican street tacos recipe?

You *could*, but authentic street tacos are usually made with small, hand-sized corn tortillas. If you only have large ones, you can cut them into smaller circles using a cookie cutter or just use a knife to cut into smaller triangles. The important thing is to keep the filling-to-tortilla ratio balanced so they aren't too overwhelming!

Q: How long will the leftover carnitas last, assuming I don't scoff the lot in one go?

If you manage to restrain yourself (and that's a big *if*!), leftover carnitas will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. They also freeze remarkably well – just thaw them overnight in the fridge and crisp them up before serving. Then, ta-da! Instant taco night!

Authentic Mexican Street Tacos Recipe Carnitas Perfection

By Elara MaeveAugust 19, 2025Updated: August 20, 2025

4.58 (12 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Craving Authentic Mexican Street Tacos?

Fancy a taste of Mexico? Ever wondered how to make proper authentic mexican street tacos recipe at home? Let's dive in! These Carne Asada style street tacos are bursting with flavour.

Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Mexican market.

What's the Story Behind These Street Tacos?

Street tacos are a true taste of Mexico. These are a staple of Mexican street food . Every bite offers a burst of flavour.

Typically, they are pretty straightforward to make. This recipe is straightforward. It’s all about building the flavour. They are all based on simple ingredients and are an Easy Taco Recipe !

These tacos aren't just food. They are a cultural experience. Making Taco Recipes at home is way easier than you think. This Authentic Mexican Food is easier than you think.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this authentic mexican street tacos recipe is its simplicity. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta with mates.

This is my go-to Mexican Food Recipes Authentic . If you're trying out Pork Tacos this is great. It will bring the sunshine to your plate.

Plus, carnitas (slow cooked pork) are packed with protein. They will keep you going for ages. Think of it as a hug in a tortilla.

The Star Ingredients For The Best Street Taco Recipe

For this authentic mexican street tacos recipe , you will need pork shoulder, oranges, onions and spices. Cilantro and lime finish it off.

Proper flavour bombs! The full ingredient list is below. Let's get cooking!

Right, let's talk taco ingredients. Forget that pre-packaged rubbish. We're making proper authentic mexican street tacos recipe here, the kind you'd find sizzling on a Mexico City street corner. Ready?

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real

Forget those sad imitations you buy at the supermarket. You need quality ingredients for the best street taco recipe.

Pork Shoulder: A hefty 3 lbs (1.36 kg) . It needs to be cut into 2 inch (5 cm) cubes. Look for good marbling. Marbling is your friend. Trust me.
Orange: You'll need 1 . Quarter it. Don't be shy.
Onion: Yep, 1 medium onion, quartered too.
Garlic: 4 cloves, smashed. Smashing is therapeutic, honestly.
Bay Leaves: 2 . Don't skip these, okay?
Dried Oregano: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Mexican oregano is ideal, but regular works too.
Ground Cumin: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Adds warmth.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a pinch, 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) . Don't overdo it.
Water: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Just a little to get things going.
Corn Tortillas: Around 20-25 small ones. About 4 inch diameter . Fresh is always best, you know?
Limes: For serving. Get juicy ones!

Honestly? Once I tried making carnitas tacos recipe with a lean cut of pork. Big mistake! It was dry and sad. The fat is essential! I learn every day

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

These flavors make the taco.

Essential Spice Combo: Oregano, cumin, and cinnamon. Sounds weird, right? But it works!
Flavor Enhancers: Orange and garlic add a subtle sweetness and depth.
Aromatics: Bay leaves create a rich, savory base.
Substitution Options: No oregano? Marjoram will do in a pinch, but try to find oregano, specially if you are preparing Mexican Food Recipes Authentic .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

No fancy gadgets needed.

Dutch Oven: A big one. Ideally oven safe. This is the MVP for cooking authentic mexican food .
Tongs: For wrangling the pork.
Cutting Board and Knife: Obvious, but still.
Small Bowl: For the relish.
Tortilla Warmer: Optional, but keeps the tortillas soft and pliable for your easy taco recipe . A damp towel in the microwave also works. Don't worry if you don't have one.

Alright, let's dive into making some proper authentic mexican street tacos recipe , carnitas style. Forget those fancy schmancy restaurant versions.

We're talking authentic mexican food , straight from the streets, baby! This isn't just some easy taco recipe ; it's a flavour explosion.

Prep Like a Pro for Amazing Street Tacos

First things first, essential mise en place . Chop your onions and cilantro for that zesty relish. Get your pork shoulder cubed about 2 inch (5 cm) chunks are perfect.

Smash those garlic cloves! Honestly, doing this prep makes the whole process smooth as butter. We don't want any accidents; keep your knives sharp and mind your fingers.

Time to bring the Mexican street food to your kitchen.

How to Cook the Perfect Carnitas for Your Street Taco Recipe

Alright, this is where the magic happens. Number 1 : Season those pork cubes generously with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and cinnamon. Don't be shy!.

Number 2 : Sear that pork! It's optional, but trust me, it adds a proper depth of flavor. Brown each side in a dutch oven.

Number 3 : Bung the pork back in the pot. Add your orange and onion quarters, smashed garlic, bay leaves, and a little water (about 1/2 cup (120 ml) ).

Number 4 : Slow cook it! Oven at 300° F ( 150° C) for 3- 4 hours. Stovetop on low works too. You want that pork to shred like a dream.

Number 5 : Shred and crisp! This is key. Shred the pork, return it to the pot with a bit of the braising liquid, and blast it in the oven at 400° F ( 200° C) for 15- 20 minutes until those edges are beautifully crispy.

Or, do the crisping in a skillet with a bit of oil if you like. This Carnitas Tacos Recipe requires patience and care.

Taco Recipes Pro Tips

Alright, here's where the real wizardry comes in. Don't skimp on the salt when seasoning the pork! Proper seasoning is crucial .

A squeeze of fresh lime brightens everything up. It's pure sunshine in a taco. If you can find Mexican oregano, use it! It’s got a slightly different, more intense flavour.

But regular oregano is just fine, too. Keep those tortillas warm and bendy using a tortilla warmer, or a damp paper towel in the microwave.

And there you have your authentic mexican street tacos recipe using the best quality carne asada or pork tacos .

Recipe Notes: Let's Taco 'Bout It!

This authentic mexican street tacos recipe is a labour of love. But trust me, it's so worth it! Let's get into the nitty gritty to make these the best street tacos you've ever had.

Think of this as your cheat sheet to taco perfection. And remember, don't be afraid to experiment!

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, even with Mexican street food ! Pile those gorgeous, crispy carnitas tacos recipe high on a platter. Don't forget the lime wedges.

A squeeze of lime brightens everything up. For sides, consider classic Mexican rice and refried beans. And what about drinks? A cold Jarritos soda or a cheeky Michelada would be the perfect pairing.

Honestly, even a margarita would be divine!

Storage Secrets: Keeping the Fiesta Alive

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the carne asada separately from the tortillas to prevent sogginess. Refrigerate the pork in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat the pork in a skillet or the oven until heated through and crispy again.

Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave before serving.

Remixing the Classics: Variations

Want to shake things up? Try adding a chopped jalapeño to the pork for a spicy kick. Or maybe swap the pork for chicken thighs for some easy taco recipe that's ready faster!.

If you’re feeling adventurous and trying to find Mexican food recipes authentic try Jackfruit.

Nutrition Breakdown: Fueling Your Fiesta

Let's keep it real, these aren't diet tacos! But everything in moderation, right? Each taco packs a punch of protein and flavor.

The estimated values come to about 350 calories , 25g protein , 20g fat , 15g carbs , 2g fiber and 300mg sodium per taco.

So feel free to enjoy your pork tacos , but maybe don't eat ten in one sitting.

These are not just any taco recipes . This authentic mexican street tacos recipe will become your go-to. So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to make some magic, my friend! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen; are these authentic mexican street tacos recipe really that hard to make?

Don't you worry your pretty little head! While this authentic mexican street tacos recipe takes a bit of time, it's more about patience than complicated cooking skills. Think of it like baking a cake follow the steps, and you'll be rewarded with deliciousness.

Plus, the slow cooking part is mostly hands off, giving you time to put your feet up with a cuppa.

Can I prep the carnitas ahead of time? I'm having a bit of a 'mare' trying to fit everything in.

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. You can cook the carnitas a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. Then, just crisp them up in a skillet or oven before serving.

It's a total time saver and actually allows the flavours to develop even more, like a good stew perfect for a bit of forward planning!

What if I don't have a Dutch oven? Can I still make these smashing authentic mexican street tacos?

Don't fret! While a Dutch oven is ideal, you can absolutely use a heavy bottomed pot with a lid. You can also use a slow cooker - but make sure you crisp the pork up when it's done, it's the star of the show!

Just make sure it's oven safe if you plan to crisp the pork in the oven at the end, otherwise a frying pan is the answer.

I'm watching my figure (trying to avoid a 'soggy bottom', you see!). Are these tacos healthy?

Well, they're not exactly health food, but you can definitely make them healthier! Use leaner cuts of pork, don't use too much of the fat when crisping the pork, and load up on the cilantro onion relish. You can also add other veggie toppings and go easy on the cheese and sour cream.

The shops only had large tortillas - can I use them for this authentic mexican street tacos recipe?

You could, but authentic street tacos are usually made with small, hand sized corn tortillas. If you only have large ones, you can cut them into smaller circles using a cookie cutter or just use a knife to cut into smaller triangles.

The important thing is to keep the filling-to-tortilla ratio balanced so they aren't too overwhelming!

How long will the leftover carnitas last, assuming I don't scoff the lot in one go?

If you manage to restrain yourself (and that's a big if!), leftover carnitas will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. They also freeze remarkably well just thaw them overnight in the fridge and crisp them up before serving. Then, ta-da! Instant taco night!