Carnitas Tacos

 So tender and good.   I like to just put white onions and cilantro on mine, but any taco topping you like would be awesome on it.

CARNITAS TACOS

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

*3-4 pound boneless pork butt

*1 tablespoon kosher salt

*2 teaspoons ground black pepper 

*3 teaspoons  chili powder

*1 teaspoon onion powder

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

*1 teaspoon paprika

*1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 4 oranges)

*1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)

*2-3 bay leafs

*1/2 cup water

*2 teaspoons corn starch

*1/8 cup water

*8 small flour tortillas or 8-16 corn tortillas (16 if you are using two per carnitas)

*white onion, chopped (optional)

*fresh cilantro (optional)

*fresh squeezed lime juice (optional)

More Toppings:

*Shredded sharp cheese (optional)

*Tomatoes, chopped (optional)

*Sour Cream (optional)

*Salsa (optional)

*Mexican Blend Shredded cheese (optional)

*Cotija Cheese, crumbled  (optional)

*Salsa Verde (optional)

*Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce (optional)

Directions:

~Preheat oven tot 325 degrees.

~Cut the pork butt into cubes about 1-inch, trimming away any excess fat.

~Put kosher salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder,  cumin, and paprika into a zip-loc bag  and mix.

~Put pork into bag of seasoning, seal bag and shake until meat is well coated.

~Place pork into a dutch oven.

~Pour orange juice, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water over pork.

~Stir util well mixed.

~Add bay leafs and cover.

~Bake for 2 - 2 1/2 hours.

~Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.

~Using a slotted spoon or spider remove pork and place on prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

~Shred meat slightly using a couple forks (optional).

~Place under broiler until meat starts to change to a dark brown and starts to get crispy edges (careful not to burn).  Around 1-3 minutes. 

~Remove from oven and set aside.

~Place dutch oven over a burner over medium-high heat.

~Whisk corn starch to 1/8 cup water.

~Whisk into hot liquid in dutch oven.

~Simmer until mixture thickens, around 2-4 minutes.

~Remove from heat and add pork, stir until well coated.

~Serve in flour or corn tortillas and top with your favorite toppings.