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5.0 from 12 votes

Tacos de Carnitas en Coca-Cola (Coke-Braised Pork Tacos)

The Coca-Cola tenderizes the pork and gives it a deep and dark caramelized crust. The best part is that it slow cooks in a Dutch oven in less than two hours.

Prep Time
7 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 7 mins
Total Time
1 hr 47 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Calories: 18217 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Coca-Cola
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 sprig fresh tarragon
  • warm corn tortillas
  • chopped onion
  • cilantro
  • sliced radishes
  • Lime wedges
  • Chile de arbol salsa

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board, and using two forks, shred the meat into 2-inch long pieces.
  3. Serve with the warmed corn tortillas, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, lime wedges, and salsa.

Notes

  • The nutrition facts do not include tortillas or optional toppings. 

Nutrition Information

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 (11%) Fiber 0.18g (1%) Sugar 5.34g (11%) Vitamin C 0.83mg (1%) Calcium 14.53mg (1%) Iron 1.44mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4to 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 18217

% 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.