With Cinco de Mayo inching ever closer, the spicy tastes of the south are already teasing the palate. While the office might not be the place for a batch of Beer & Tequila Carnitas, your kitchen and a group of friends most certainly is. Have at it and let us know how they turn out!
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Beer & Tequila Carnitas
Ingredients
4 pounds bone-in pork shoulder (see Note)
2 cups diced white onion
4 poblano peppers, diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste
3 cups diced seeded tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 cup tequila, preferably Reposado (see Note)
2 12-ounce bottles of dark Mexican beer, such as Negro Modelo
20 corn tortillas, warmed (see Tip)
Preparation
Trim enough fat from pork to yield about 1/3 cup diced (discard the rest). Cut pork into 1-inch cubes.
Heat a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat and add the pork fat. Cook, stirring until there is a thin layer of fat covering the bottom and the bits left in the pot are brown and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add onion, poblanos, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
Add the pork and cook, stirring frequently, until enough liquid has been released to almost cover the pork and vegetables, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to maintain a lively simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced to a thick paste, about 30 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, return to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add tequila and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and a thick sauce coats the meat, 15 to 20 minutes. Add the beer and return to a lively simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated, scraping up any browned bits near the end of the cooking time, 30 to 45 minutes more. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the carnitas to a serving platter and let guests assemble their own tacos with warm tortillas and taco garnishes as desired.
Tips & Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat, covered, in the microwave or 325°F oven.
Notes: Bone-in pork shoulder (“Boston butt” or “fresh pork butt”) can weigh upwards of 10 pounds, so you may have to ask your butcher to cut one down for this recipe.
Golden-hued Reposado tequila has been aged in wooden barrels for a minimum of two months but no longer than 11 months. The flavor is more smooth and balanced than unaged (Blanco) or young (Joven) tequilas.
Kitchen Tip: 2 ways to warm corn tortillas: 1. Microwave: Wrap stacks of up to 12 tortillas in barely damp paper towels; microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds. Wrap tortillas in a clean towel to keep warm. 2. Oven: Wrap stacks of 6 tortillas in foil; place in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Wrap tortillas in a clean towel to keep warm.
Nutrition
Per serving: 470 calories; 19 g fat (7 g sat, 9 g mono); 85 mg cholesterol; 32 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 26 g protein; 5 g fiber; 308 mg sodium; 596 mg potassium.