Copycat Chipotle Carnitas Crispy Tacos Food

COPYCAT CHIPOTLE CARNITAS CRISPY TACOS

Steps:

• Using a square of cheesecloth, make a spice bundle: Place thyme springs, juniper berries, bay leaves, and black peppercorns in the center of the cloth and secure with kitchen twine.
• In a slow cooker set to low , arrange pork roast in the bottom. Add water, spice bundle, and salt.
• Cover and set for 10 hours. It may take 12 hours, carnitas will be ready when pork is easily shreddible with a fork.
• Using a large slotted spoon or a pair of tongs, transfer pork to a large bowl (save cooking liquid for later). Allow pork to rest, covered, for about 10 minutes.
• Heat taco shells according to manufacturer's directions, and prepare toppings of your choice.
• Shred pork using two forks or tongs, discarding excess fat. Taste cooking liquid. (if it is too salty, thin the cooking liquid with hot water). Moisten carnitas with 1 cup of cooking liquid, reserving the rest for later use.
• Assemble tacos:.
• Fill Taco shells with Copycat Chipotle Carnitas, and desired toppings.

CHIPOTLE CARNITAS (COPYCAT)

Steps:

• Season all sides of pork liberally with salt and pepper and place in slow cooker. To the bottom of the slow cooker, add water, bay leaves, thyme, and juniper berries.
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours, or LOW for 8 to 10 hours. The meat should fall apart easily.
• Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks. Skim fat off liquid in slow cooker if desired. Discard juniper berries and any thyme sprig stems.
• For crispy edges, in a large skillet over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil until shimmering. Add pork in batches (3 to 4 batches), along with about 2 tablespoons juice from slow cooker, and cook without moving until browned on one side.
• Toss the pork to flip and brown the other side briefly (you want both crispy and soft pieces), until all the juice has evaporated. Return to slow cooker and repeat with remaining pork. Season to taste with salt and pepper.