Tacos de Carnitas en Coca-Cola (Coke-Braised Pork Tacos)
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
7 mins
-
Cook Time
1 hr 40 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 47 mins
-
Servings
4 to 6 servings
-
Calories
18217 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Mexican
Tacos de Carnitas en Coca-Cola (Coke-Braised Pork Tacos)
Description
Tacos de Carnitas en Coca-Cola involve slowly simmering pork shoulder in a mixture of Coca-Cola and water with bay leaves, fresh thyme, and tarragon until the meat turns tender enough to shred. The cooking vessel is purposely small to keep the meat snug and moist. The Coca-Cola caramelizes as the liquid evaporates, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the savory pork.
The pork is then shredded using forks, creating strands of tender meat perfect for assembling tacos. The dish is typically served on warmed corn tortillas accompanied by chopped onion, fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, lime wedges, and a chile de arbol salsa. These toppings contribute crunch, acidity, and heat to balance the rich pork.
These pork tacos suit casual meals and can be customized with preferred toppings. The technique of braising in soda imparts a distinct flavor and tender texture that differs from traditional slow-cooked carnitas.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder cut into 4 pieces
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- kosher salt
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- ½ cup water
- 2 bay leaves dried
- 2 thyme sprigs, fresh
- 1 tarragon sprig, fresh
- corn tortillas warm
- onion chopped
- cilantro
- radish sliced
- lime wedges
- Chile de arbol salsa
Instructions
- Season the pork heavily on both sides with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Transfer the seasoned pork to a heavy Dutch oven, making sure the pan is small, so the pork fits snugly, which will prevent the meat from drying out when it cooks. Add Coca-Cola and water. Bring to a boil and decrease the heat to maintain a simmer. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and tarragon. Cover and simmer until the pork is tender, about 1 ½ hours. The Coca-Cola will caramelize and the liquid will evaporate when finished.
- Transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board, and using two forks, shred the meat into 2-inch long pieces.
- Serve with the warmed corn tortillas, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, lime wedges, and salsa.
Notes
- Nutrition information provided does not include tortillas or optional toppings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4to 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 18217 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 182.17kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 7.13g | 2% |
| Protein | 20.66g | 41% |
| Fat | 7.44g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.57g | 13% |
| Cholesterol | 69.52mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 83.99mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 377.68mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 0.18g | 1% |
| Sugar | 5.34g | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 0.83mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 14.53mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.44mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
