Low Fat Carnitas Tacos

Satisfy your craving for Mexican-inspired flavors with these Low Fat Carnitas Tacos, a lighter twist on the classic favorite. This recipe features tender, juicy pork tenderloin, slow-cooked with aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic powder, then simmered in a zesty blend of orange and lime juice for a tangy flavor infusion. The pork is seared to perfection and cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender, making it easy to shred and toss in its savory, reduced sauce. Served on warm corn tortillas and topped with vibrant shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a hint of jalapeño heat, these tacos are as nutritious as they are delicious. With only minimal fat added and wholesome ingredients, these tacos are perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Ready in just over two hours and packed with bold, authentic flavors, these low-fat carnitas tacos are sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:170 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Pork tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Orange juice
• 0.25 cup Lime juice
• 1 cup Low sodium chicken broth
• 12 pieces Corn tortillas
• 2 cups Cabbage, thinly shredded
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 medium Diced onion
• 1 medium Jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 limes, cut into wedges Lime wedges

Directions

Step 1

Trim any visible fat from the pork tenderloin and cut it into 3-inch pieces.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Rub the spice mixture all over the pork pieces, ensuring they are completely coated.

Step 4

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 5

Brown the pork pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes until nicely seared. Transfer each batch to a plate.

Step 6

Once all the pork is browned, return all pieces to the pot. Add the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low.

Step 8

Cook covered for 90 minutes, turning the pork pieces occasionally.

Step 9

After 90 minutes, uncover the pot and increase the heat to medium.

Step 10

Cook for an additional 30 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the liquid has reduced and the pork is tender enough to shred.

Step 11

Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the pot, mixing it with the reduced sauce.

Step 12

Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet or directly over a gas flame until pliable.

Step 13

Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the shredded carnitas onto each tortilla.

Step 14

Top with shredded cabbage, diced onion, cilantro, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Step 15

Serve immediately and enjoy your low-fat carnitas tacos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2281.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2865.5

Total Fat 63.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 616.9mg	0%
Sodium 6158.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 307.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.9g	0%
Total Sugars 26.6g
Protein 267.9g	0%

Vitamin D 72.6IU	0%
Calcium 566.7mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 6269.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.9%

Protein: 37.3%

Carbs: 42.8%