Low Sodium Carnitas Flour Tacos with Onion and Cilantro

Savor the flavor of these Low Sodium Carnitas Flour Tacos with Onion and Cilantro—a healthier twist on a Mexican classic! Tender chunks of pork shoulder are slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant blend of cumin, paprika, garlic, oregano, and a splash of citrus from fresh orange juice and lime. This low-sodium recipe delivers all the rich, smoky essence of traditional carnitas without the salt overload, making it perfect for heart-healthy diets. Tucked into warm, soft flour tortillas and topped with a refreshing mixture of finely chopped onion and fresh cilantro, these tacos are irresistibly flavorful yet simple to prepare. Ready in just under four hours with minimal hands-on time, these tacos are perfect for a family dinner or an impressive weekend meal. Serve them with a squeeze of lime and enjoy an authentic Mexican experience without the guilt!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Pork shoulder
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground oregano
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 cup Orange juice
• 1 Lime
• 1 White onion
• 1 bunch Fresh cilantro
• 8 Flour tortillas

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks removing any large pieces of fat.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine black pepper, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.

Step 3

Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork pieces ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add pork pieces to the pot and sear on all sides until they are browned, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low. Pour orange juice over the pork, then add the juice of one lime.

Step 7

Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 3.5 to 4 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.

Step 8

While pork cooks, finely chop the white onion and set it aside in a small bowl.

Step 9

Rinse and finely chop the fresh cilantro, mixing it with the chopped onion.

Step 10

Once the pork is cooked and tender, shred it using two forks and mix it back into any remaining juices in the pot.

Step 11

Warm the flour tortillas in a hot skillet or microwave.

Step 12

To assemble, fill each tortilla with a generous portion of shredded pork.

Step 13

Top with the onion and cilantro mixture.

Step 14

Serve immediately, enjoying your low sodium carnitas tacos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1751.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3220.4

Total Fat 157.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 800.5mg	0%
Sodium 2601.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 198.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.1g	0%
Total Sugars 28.5g
Protein 244.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 865.4mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 4369.6mg	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: 44.4%

Protein: 30.7%

Carbs: 24.9%