Scrambled Eggs, Cheese, and Avocado Tortilla Bowl Recipe
September 16, 2025
Zesty Carnitas Tacos Recipe
Zesty carnitas tacos feature lime juice in the crema that gives these carnitas tacos a refreshing, good zing that enhances the rich pork with bright citrus flavors throughout. This creative enhancement demonstrates how citrus can balance rich meats while the zesty designation accurately reflects the bright, appealing flavors. The lime crema provides cooling contrast while adding complexity that elevates ordinary carnitas into something special and memorable.
Lime juice in the crema give these carnitas tacos a good zing!
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
4 hrs
Total Time:
4 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
16 tacos
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Ingredients
Carnitas:
1 (2 pound) boneless pork shoulder roast
½ cup chopped onion
⅓ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon cumin
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Lime Crema:
1 lime, zested and juiced
2 (5.3 ounce) containers plain fat-free Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 pinch chili powder (Optional)
Tacos:
16 (6 inch) soft yellow corn tortillas
4 leaves green cabbage, shredded
1 cup very thinly sliced red onion
1 cup pico de gallo (Optional)
Directions
Make carnitas: Trim fat from pork. Cut pork into 2- to 3-inch pieces; transfer to a 4-quart slow cooker. Stir in onion, orange juice, cumin, salt, oregano, and cayenne.
Cover and cook on Low 8 to 10 hours or High 4 to 5 hours.
Transfer pork to a large bowl; shred using 2 forks. Add enough cooking liquid from slow cooker to moisten.
Make lime crema: Add 2 tablespoons lime juice to a small bowl. Stir in yogurt and salt. Dust with chili powder.
Make tacos: Serve pork in tortillas with shredded cabbage, red onion, and pico de gallo. Garnish with crema and lime zest.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 338 | Calories |
| 16g | Fat |
| 33g | Carbs |
| 18g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 8 | |
| Calories 338 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 16g | 21% |
| Saturated Fat 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium 761mg | 33% |
| Total Carbohydrate 33g | 12% |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 18% |
| Total Sugars 6g | |
| Protein 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin C 17mg | 18% |
| Calcium 89mg | 7% |
| Iron 2mg | 12% |
| Potassium 470mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
