These Ground Pork Tacos start with warmed tortillas filled with a carnita-inspired ground pork mixture and are then loaded up with your favorite taco toppings. Add a lime crema on top for the perfect finishing touch!
2teaspoons EACH:dried oregano, ground cumin, ground chili powder, garlic powder
fine sea salt and cracked pepper
1 and 1/2poundsground pork
1/4cupfreshly squeezed orange juice
2tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
12(6-inch)soft flour tortillas(or corn tortillas)
Toppings of choice: ripe avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, red onions or pickled onions (see below), Cotija or Monterey jack cheese (~1 cup), lime crema (see below)
Lime Crema
1/2cupsour cream(lite/low-fat works!)
2tablespoonsheavy whipping cream
2tablespoonsfreshly squeezed lime juice + 1/2 teaspoon zest
OPTIONAL: QUICK "PICKLED" RED ONION: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Season to taste with salt; I add 1/2 teaspoon. Toss to coat; leave at room temperature and toss every 5 minutes or so while preparing the rest of the meal.
LIMECREMA: In a small bowl, combine all the crema ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper; I add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir and then place in the fridge until ready to use.
PORK MIXTURE: In a large, cast iron skillet, add the olive oil and heat to medium high. Add in the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until turning golden. Add in the garlic and jalapeños and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add in the seasonings and salt and pepper to taste (I add 1 and 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Sauté for 1 more minute or until fragrant. Nothing should be burning/overly browning; reduce heat if necessary (nonstick skillet will take longer because it doesn't hold heat the same). Press spiced veggies to the side of the pan leaving room for the pork.
PORK MIX, CONTINUED: Add the ground pork to the center of the pan. Let stand for about 30 seconds to a minute and then flip; we want to brown it as much as possible (color = flavor!) Continue to cook and break up the pork with a wooden spoon until the pork is nicely browned. Drain off any fat. Add in the orange juice and lime juice, and cook, stirring constantly until the juices are absorbed into the pork and it's nicely coated and browned. Remove from heat and adjust seasonings to personal preference, adding additional salt if needed.
TORTILLAS: See Note 1 for preparing the tortillas. I typically char them over a gas flame on my stovetop, but any method works.
ASSEMBLY: Place generous spoonfuls of pork into warmed tortillas. Add your favorite toppings: cheese, avocado, cilantro, pickled red onions, and lots of lime crema are our must-haves! Serve with lime wedges on the side and enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
Note 1: Spray both sides of the tortillas with olive oil cooking spray and char the tortillas directly over the gas flames for a few seconds. Use tongs to flip until tortillas are lightly charred and soft. Immediately fold the tortilla in half (so it will fold into a taco nicely later) and place it under a towel to keep warm. Alternatively, warm tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat (in batches so the skillet isn't over-filled). Flip to warm each side, remove from heat, fold in half, and place under a towel to keep warm.