Are you a fan of authentic Mexican street food? Then you must have tried pork carnitas tacos!
These delicious tacos are made with tender, flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth pork that is slow-cooked to perfection. But what really makes these tacos stand out are the toppings!
From pickled onions to chipotle lime sour cream, there are endless options to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best toppings to put on pork carnitas tacos and give you some ideas to change up this classic dish.
So get ready to spice up your taco game and impress your friends and family with these mouth-watering creations!
What To Put On Pork Carnitas Tacos?
When it comes to pork carnitas tacos, the toppings are just as important as the meat itself. Here are some of the best toppings to consider:
1. Pickled Red Onions: These tangy onions add a burst of flavor and texture to your tacos. Simply slice red onions and soak them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt for at least an hour before serving.
2. Cheese: Whether you prefer queso fresco, cotija, or Monterey jack, cheese is a must-have topping for pork carnitas tacos. Sprinkle it generously over your tacos for added creaminess and flavor.
3. Chipotle Lime Crema or Sour Cream: This creamy topping adds a subtle heat and tanginess to your tacos. Mix together sour cream, lime juice, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a delicious crema.
4. Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness to your tacos. Dice them up and sprinkle them over your pork carnitas for added texture.
5. Avocado: Creamy avocado is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of pork carnitas. Slice it up and add it to your tacos for added creaminess.
6. Cilantro: This herb adds a bright, fresh flavor to your tacos. Chop it up and sprinkle it over your pork carnitas for added freshness.
The Classic Toppings: Cilantro, Onion, And Lime
When it comes to pork carnitas tacos, the classic toppings of cilantro, onion, and lime are a must-have. These simple toppings add a burst of flavor and freshness to your tacos.
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a popular herb in Mexican cuisine. It has a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of pork carnitas. Chop up some fresh cilantro and sprinkle it over your tacos for added freshness and flavor.
Raw onion is another classic topping for pork carnitas tacos. Finely chop up some white or red onion and sprinkle it over your tacos for added crunch and a sharp flavor. If raw onion is too strong for your taste, you can also try pickled onions for a tangy twist.
Finally, fresh lime juice is a must-have topping for pork carnitas tacos. Squeeze some fresh lime juice over your tacos for a burst of citrusy flavor that complements the rich flavors of the pork.
Together, these classic toppings create a delicious balance of flavors and textures in your pork carnitas tacos. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ratios to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
Spicy Options: Salsa, Jalapeños, And Hot Sauce
For those who like a little heat with their pork carnitas tacos, spicy toppings are a must. Here are some options to consider:
1. Salsa: Whether you prefer a chunky pico de gallo or a smooth salsa verde, adding salsa to your pork carnitas tacos will give them a spicy kick. You can make your own salsa or use store-bought options.
2. Jalapeños: Sliced jalapeños add a spicy crunch to your tacos. You can use fresh jalapeños or pickled ones for added tanginess.
3. Hot Sauce: For those who like it really spicy, hot sauce is the way to go. Whether you prefer a classic Tabasco sauce or something more unique like a habanero sauce, adding hot sauce to your pork carnitas tacos will definitely bring the heat.
When it comes to adding spicy toppings to your pork carnitas tacos, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start with small amounts and add more as needed to achieve the perfect level of spiciness for your taste buds.
Creamy Additions: Guacamole, Sour Cream, And Queso Fresco
When it comes to creamy toppings for pork carnitas tacos, guacamole, sour cream, and queso fresco are some of the most popular choices. Here’s how to make each one:
1. Guacamole: This creamy and flavorful topping is made with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mash the avocados in a bowl until they are slightly chunky, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve immediately.
2. Sour Cream: This tangy and creamy topping can be used on its own or mixed with other ingredients to make a flavorful crema. Simply whisk together sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. You can also add chopped herbs or spices like cumin or chili powder for added flavor.
3. Queso Fresco: This crumbly and slightly salty cheese is the perfect complement to pork carnitas tacos. Simply crumble it over your tacos for added creaminess and flavor.
When it comes to assembling your pork carnitas tacos, feel free to mix and match these creamy toppings to create your own unique combination of flavors and textures. Just be sure to serve them with warm tortillas and plenty of hot sauce for a truly authentic Mexican dining experience.
Pickled Toppings: Radishes, Carrots, And Red Onions
If you’re looking to add some extra crunch and tanginess to your pork carnitas tacos, consider pickling some radishes, carrots, and red onions. These toppings add a burst of flavor and texture that perfectly complement the richness of the pork.
To make the pickled toppings, thinly slice the radishes, carrots, and red onions and place them in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together vinegar, sugar, salt, and any additional spices or herbs you like (such as red chili flakes or fennel seeds). Pour the mixture over the sliced vegetables and let them marinate in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
The pickled radishes, carrots, and red onions add a refreshing crunch to your tacos and cut through the richness of the pork. Plus, they add a pop of color to your plate that makes your tacos look even more appetizing. Give these pickled toppings a try the next time you make pork carnitas tacos – your taste buds will thank you!
Unconventional Choices: Pineapple, Mango, And Cabbage Slaw
If you’re looking for something a little different to top your pork carnitas tacos, consider a pineapple, mango, and cabbage slaw. This unconventional slaw adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your tacos, and the crunch of the cabbage adds a satisfying texture.
To make the slaw, simply toss together shredded cabbage, diced pineapple, diced mango, and a handful of chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with chili powder for a spicy kick. Mix everything together and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
When it’s time to serve your tacos, spoon the slaw over the top of your pork carnitas and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite. This slaw is a great alternative to traditional toppings like salsa or guacamole, and is sure to impress your guests with its unique and delicious flavor profile.
Vegetarian And Vegan Options: Black Beans, Corn Salsa, And Grilled Veggies
For those who prefer vegetarian or vegan options, black beans, corn salsa, and grilled veggies are excellent choices to top your pork carnitas tacos with. Black beans are a great source of plant-based protein and add a savory, earthy flavor to your tacos. You can use canned black beans or cook them from scratch with garlic, cumin, and chili powder for added flavor.
Corn salsa is a fresh and sweet topping that complements the richness of pork carnitas. You can make it by combining grilled or roasted corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro. This salsa is easy to make and can be prepared in advance for convenience.
Grilled veggies add a smoky and charred flavor to your tacos. You can grill onions, peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a colorful and flavorful topping. Simply brush the veggies with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling.
