Carnitas - My Fav Taco!

Carnitas, AKA "little meats", is a Mexican dish that originated in the state of Michoacán. Carnitas are made by braising or simmering pork lard until tender, then slightly pulled and crisped. The result is juicy, yet crispy. Carnitas are one of my favorite tacos of all time traditionally served on fresh corn tortillas with cilantro and onions.
Bonus Ranch Water recipe included in this video - Ranch water is a classic Texas cocktail. Making this in a Topo Chico bottle is a fun way to make this drink portable. It's only 3 ingredients and has been cooling off Cowboys for years. Cheers, y'all!
Carnitas Recipe: www.meatchurch...
Ranch Water recipe: www.meatchurch...
Meat Church BBQ Supplies: www.meatchurch.com
Butcher Block - Rosewood Block: www.rosewoodblock.com
Thermapen IR thermometer: bit.ly/MCThermapen
Knives: www.montanakni...
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About Meat Church BBQ:
Welcome to the official Meat Church BBQ KZbin channel! Meat Church is a global lifestyle BBQ brand and has one of the largest social media reaches in the world of outdoor cooking. The unique brand offers some of the most popular craft BBQ seasonings, apparel, recipe development & live fire cooking instruction around the world. Matt Pittman is the pitmaster and the founder of Meat Church BBQ. He is an expert and respected authority on outdoor cooking. Students travel from around the world to attend BBQ schools in his private outdoor kitchen. Make sure to subscribe and enable ALL notifications!
#MeatChurchBBQ​ #Carnitas

[@CHS0926]

Matt- these are easily the best tacos I’ve ever made. Made these for my Moms birthday/the Derby yesterday and they were an absolute hit. Can’t thank you enough for these videos. 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@kikiperaza4707]

As a Mexican, I can tell you, those carnitas look authentic. Keep preaching Matt, love your stuff. Saludos.

[@gators4592]

as not a Mexican, thank you for approving so I can make the authentic way from here lol

[@86HellCat831]

Lol you’re not really Mexican then…

[@zero_udk]

​@@gators4592 I don't get it either

[@michailovigor]

As a carnita I can tell you this Mexican is authentic

[@jackrodosta7971]

Just made this today, 😊 absolutely fantastic. The only thing I did slightly different was, after I cubed and seasoned, I smoked my pork for 4 hours before I brazed. Wow, awesome recipe. Thanks, Matt.

[@rockyroad8561]

I’ve just recently got into bbq, and your recipes have made me famous, this one will just be another one of my go to for taco nights.

[@Keith80027]

I love carnitas after growing up in NM in the 50's and 60's. Lots of hispanic moms would cook this for lunch. Love it!

[@recordman555]

Whether it's a Mexican restaurant, or a food truck, carnitas is always my go-to Mexican dish! Love your take on this delicious dish!

[@wjstang]

Did this yesterday! Knocked it of the park with these tacos. All loved them with my wife growing up in the valley and an army buddy from Azusa some of the best carnitas they’ve had ever. Used Cheerwine instead of Coke because that’s what I had in the house. The tortillas dipped in lard and then heated is also a keeper. Well done. Thank you for your videos.

[@gregvaughntx]

They say there's two types of Texans: those who were born here, and those who got here as soon as they could. As a member of the first group, I salute you. I particularly love that you called it "comino". I was in college before I learned that "cumin" meant the same thing as "comino".

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks for being here Greg!

[@VillanuevaMedia]

Carnitas are my favorite usually have them on the weekends

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks Raul!

[@grillmaster07]

Man, I seen every way you can make carnitas. I've seen it in person from old Mexican ladies. Dude! You frickin nailed it better than I ever saw! I see why they are the best you have ever done! You rock man! Awesome job! I just wish I could have tried one. I think I can actually taste it because I know your seasoning! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

I sincerely appreciate that!

[@dvsmike]

Just wanted to say i did your spareribs with pepper as the first layer and holy cow for the 2nd, smoked on a pit boss 1150 for 5 1/2 hrs, spritzed with apple cider vinegar, whiskey, and honey for the last hr and rested in jack daniels sweet and spicy bbq sauce and it came out phenomenal! That pepper layer first with holy cow after, provided a great bark and crunch. Thank you!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

KILLER!!!!

[@SirPartyRoc]

I woke up excited for a Wednesday Meat Church video drop!! Carnitas is a family fave. I've done this similar cook with beef shank as well. Pair this with a good crema and everyone is licking their fingers when its all done. Thanks for making this simple for us backyard chefs to follow along.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Love it Victor!

[@eh2bseries]

Appreciate you shouting out the local joints.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Yessir. Small business makes the world go around.

[@AlbertNevarez]

Your dish soap comment about cilantro was absolutely hilarious 😂

[@stevegrieb6596]

Gotta try this. One of the things I love about your channel is you keep it real. Thank you for not posting your favorite recipe for Vegan Quiche Lorraine. Also, I appreciate your support of Texas businesses. Yeah, I saw that bottle of Bolners. Very fine channel. I recently did the Bowl of Red recipe and it was excellent.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

I appreciate that feedback Steve.

[@billystpaul8907]

Out standing video Matt. 2 things I have not seen before. cooking the taco shells in oil. And making your lunch drink. And, you are right about only onions and cilantro with the Carnitas..

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Yessir!

[@heyzuesvasquez4296]

My old man used to make these over an open fire with some oak. The smoke really used to make a big difference. There were a few missed key ingredients but you did a great job.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

What would you add?

[@miahyde5772]

The smells coming out of the kitchen this morning are unreal. We made a smoked tomatillo salsa to drizzle on the tacos. Thanks for this winner of a recipe.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Yessssss!!!!!!!❤

[@petermyers479]

Dude, cooking styles are regional, not ethnic necessarily. The world has gotten to be a much smaller place. I love watching you create beautiful southwestern style Texican foods. Keep it coming. Never apologize.

[@1990westfalia]

This would be a great NHL Playoff viewing party entrée while watching the Wild and the Stars play and get closer to Cinco de Mayo. GO Wild. Skillet

[@rongarrison6653]

Just made these carnitas today! Turned out delicious and so tender! No on got mad at them! Thanks!

[@cottonclark897]

An awesome recipe! I'm in San Antonio, and we kinda pride ourselves on TexMex dishes. Let's just say, "I ain't made about this recipe!" 🤣 And Matt's comment about cilantro, PERFECT! I, too, feel sorry for the doubters. I'd say this recipe is next up in my Outdoor Cocina. Thanks, Matt! 👍

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thank you!

[@ryanseymour8908]

Kids are watching with me again, 7year old daughter tells me “daddy you HAVE to make this.” Thanks for keeping my kids hungry! *Ditto on the cilantro

[@arnoldmorales9189]

Rio Grande Valley here! Love your content Matt. This is one recipe I will try with my smoker.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thank you Arnold!

[@bashulto]

Wow, greetings from México. You took a great recipe to a whole new level!! Cant wait to try it!

[@poogan1239]

Bay leaves..LOL..to this day I have NO idea what they add..My mother would add them into the Cuban dished she'd make and a few others and I would always complain that it would always end up on my plate or me crunching on it, even after she said she picked them all out...I always smile when I see them added.

[@MrPurexed]

Well... I was going to make the Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos this weekend for a party. NOW I'm making these Carnitas! Thanks for the new recipe!!!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Enjoy!

[@bobsmith8857]

Really don't comment much on recipes, but this one the whole family loved. They always give me a hard time because I like to smoke things on the weekend. Made these, following the directions and they were phenomenal! I did use some hot sauce on mine. But everyone loved them. Only thing I forgot...The Ranch water! Will work this into rotation of Taco Tuesdays

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thank you so much for commenting and letting me know Bob. Means the world to me. Thanks for being here!! -Matt

[@ronkeys1712]

lol Matt I love your videos, attitude and the intro and outro music keep it coming!

[@grillingaddictionwithnick4982]

You nailed it brother ! I will be doing this soon! Gonna be doing goat meat empanadas 🔥soon as well !

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

DAMN those sounds good. I love cabrito.

[@leeg45691]

Dang Matt those tacos look amazing! This is next on my list of backyard cooks! Oh and cilantro rocks!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Enjoy Bruce. Thanks for being here.

[@jordanhansen973]

Don’t ever stop making vids. Awesome dude.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks Jordan!

[@mattburke4343]

im one of those sad people who hate cilantro it does tase like soap LOL. I am from SoCal so i always put refried beans in every taco. I smoke my refried beans so they are delicious . pretty much everything i bbq i learned from you so thanks for the great show.

[@Tracker102]

I got the fajita spice from Meat Church, and toss it on all my veggies before grilling. I love this company, this channel, Matt is tight. I'm about that life.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

That is our veggie rub here too. Thanks David!

[@Bigheadedwon]

Matt please don’t sell yourself short here. A gringo taco’s a crunch shell with ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese. Those are awesome, but you made legit Mexican tacos here. I might be a gringo but I’ve lived around Mexicans forever and eaten thousands of tacos. You even used the real deal lard not the pale white blocks you get at the gringo grocery stores. This looks absolutely delicious

[@jdelaney9325]

I just discovered Cilantro and Onions in the last year on grilled chicken tacos. Good stuff.

[@wfodavid]

Ahhhhhh Grandfather's Carnitas........I think you nailed it!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

THANK YOU!!

[@williambroadway7681]

All your recipes are awesome

[@papascruffy]

Dude, that is a must!

[@KiNg0fShReD]

I’ve always wanted to try and make Carnitas, i’m hyped! 🙌🏽

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Do it!

[@jaredandrews379]

Definitely going to try them! Thanks for sharing

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

You are welcome Jared.

[@rubenbenitez8225]

Hello from Raymondville Texas

[@eddieramirez009]

Great video Matt! Showing love from the RGV! Weslaco Texas!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks Eddie!

[@lorenoconnor5789]

I smoke with th competition blend a lot, it's never let me down.

[@wesray603]

I like them all. Now I have to MAKE them!

[@jose_cuellar]

As a Latino, I definitely approve the recipe and the Mexican Coke to go with it, lol, nice touch! Thanks for sharing these recipes, keep em coming!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

I sincerely appreciate that!

[@johnkowlok3231]

Holy moly that looks so good! I like red pickled onion and guacamole on carnitas tacos 🌮

[@captjim97]

Looks fantastic !!! I love how you make your Ranch Water in the bottle !!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks. It's a fun drink that way.

[@jdstingel4599]

Did he really say “until this heats up”? Sounded like instant lava! Good stuff! 😂

[@michaelholder7358]

Some reason, I'm now craving carnitas:-) Thanks Matt

[@themaddscot]

So doing this... been wanting to do a taco "prep your own" cook for a while and this is now added to the meat selections.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Awesome, Bob!

[@leoverran311]

Pickled onions could work well, that’s fantastic looking dish

[@skwerlee]

Man those carnitas look awesome

[@williamwebberjr8045]

THANKS for the RGV shout out.

[@jreal3072]

Okay so straight up - my grandma makes this all the time and never does all that shit. She does it simple and it’s amazing.

[@PSSKDerby]

Great video Matt! That cook on the pork looks so deliciously juicy. Makes me want to try something new and that’s awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Love it. Enjoy!

[@jasonhollinger9513]

My favorite taco as well. You could make up a bunch of it to eat throughout the week…except that my family loves tacos too much to have leftovers. Lol…. They will definitely love this recipe.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Love that.

[@mitchelbeason1193]

Could you dip your tortillas in the existing lard that you were cooking with? That sounds even more amazing to me. Trying it today

[@paulym5814]

Just finished cooking my pork all day. I think I know what I’m gonna eat tomorrow 😂

[@leedoss6905]

Carnitas in the grocery store used to be cheap scrap meat for a lower price. Now it's more expensive than a pork shoulder or butt roast.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Crazy food trends.

[@harleyrdr1]

Real Coke is the way to go. And if you’re an old guy with Gout like me real Coke does not have High Fructose Corn Syrup in it. Instead, it has real sugar. As soon as I eliminated HFCS from my diet I have had no gout flare ups in several years now. Take that under advisement old guys! 👍🏻😁

[@justinmarlow7894]

I don't know I love that brisket taco you posted

[@dsplunker]

OK! I am 55 yo and have never heard someone say cilantro tastes like dish soap. Seriously, WTF was the first thing that came to mind. Are you in North Texas? LOL Aside from that, I love your twist! I will be trying your version for sure! I am also going to be sending this video to a friend and my sons. Thank you for sharing.

[@leroymcmillin]

Hi Matt. You can turn a slow morning into an inspiring day with your videos. This one, like all the others, gave my Sweetie, Spring Hen, an idea - Have a "Taco Tuesday" party at our little neighborhood park that we call "Happy Place." Taco's would be a nice alternative to the always popular "Hamburger Day." I'll need to practice first. So off to the store for some tequila. Oh yeah, and to the butcher for some pork butt and lard. Thanks for all you do to introduce us to great recipes that we can do ourselves if we pay attention to your easy-to-watch videos. Spring Chicken

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

I miss you guys!!!! Tell Spring Hen I said hello and i hope you guys are doing well!!! The Church you made me is about to get moved into our new store!

[@geoffgraham-ps9cr]

Doing this for dinner tomorrow looks so good

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Enjoy Geoff!

[@jeremyatkinson7458]

This is the Carnitas recipe I've been waiting for my whole life. I just made it this last weekend and it was a HUGE hit. Thanks Matt!

[@josegallegos6344]

Michoacán is the capital of Carnitas! Obviously there is a super traditional way like you said but still looked good! Any type of carnitas is always good 👍🏽

[@TWC6724]

I have been waiting for this one!!! I judge a tex mex joint based on carnitas. I absolutely love them!! This video is going in my favorites list.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

LOVE IT

[@elranchosteve3269]

Appreciate the Rio Grande Valley shoutout, PURO 956 🤝🏽

[@elranchosteve3269]

@@MeatChurchBBQ idk who Colin is but thanks anyway lol

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks Steve!!!

[@stevemaynor2624]

That's dinner Sunday. Love it Matt thank you

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

AWESOME!!!!

[@TripptheGOAT3]

What do you think about finishing them on a griddle? Like a black stone or similar? Would be super easy already rubbing for the tortillas Or maybe the convective heat from offset is important?

[@michaelholliday6037]

I’m not mad either! That looks delicious!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks!

[@dannyweathersby2135]

Carnitas are excellent. Cilantro Onion and line

[@gordsmith7708]

Thay look yummy man !! Something else for me to try on the traeger. Cheers man. 🍻

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Enjoy Gord!

[@ericgonzalez3977]

Good looks great but what I really want to know is how u kept the flies away

[@HarleyRider1]

Great teaching looks awesome

[@pocketdimes1048]

I’m from San Diego California. I approve this. Slightly different than I’m used to but I am absolutely gonna try your way. Looks amazing.

[@benholdin]

daygo got better tacos than tj....fax

[@alexvdubb]

as a mexican from mexico...you're invited to the carne asada

[@mateo85tx]

I haven’t finished the video yet, but I bet he ain’t mad at it !!! 😂🥳

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Ain't mad.

[@ciaraperry3917]

Great video, Matt! Carnitas are one of my favorites! Will definitely have to try out your recipe on my Traeger!

[@russbriscoe]

Excellent as alway, it’s going in the recipe book. Please make videos on making great salsas/hot sauce.

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

My salsa video is on this channel. www.meatchurch.com/blogs/recipes/smoked-salsa

[@siempretexican66]

Love the yakitori grill. Where exactly can i purchase one like yours ?

[@michaelroberts5111]

I might be crazy but I can smell this 😂❤

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

HAHA!

[@jorgegalvan8596]

I never thought of giving carnitas a smoke twist before but I'm going to try it next time I make carnitas

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Do it

[@k20fa5]

Those look amazing Matt! I've got to try these out!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks Brian!

[@frankkottwitz6279]

Love the bartending as well the taco recipe

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

That was on a whim so thank you!

[@devaultc]

Loved this one!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks Chris!

[@Cbat124]

Looks so good

[@Loveus00]

OMG I love this.

[@josepha5835]

Your videos are always on point! Would love to see you come out and visit Australia soon, maybe run a class here?

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

I turned down Meatstock back in March due to it interfering with family vaca. Soon!

[@dewaynegarrett8382]

Last step should work on a flatiron also I would expect. Such as a black stone

[@laynegautreau413]

Can’t wait to try this one!

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Enjoy Layne!

[@laynegautreau413]

I’ve been wanting to do a Louisiana inspired version of carnitas. Using cajun spices, and calling it Black Pot Pork Butt!

[@michellemcgough7476]

My local supermarket only sells bolted cilantro meaning it's gone to seed. In the 8 years I've been shopping at that TX market I've never seen cilantro for sale that wasn't bolted. And for those who don't know - when cilantro has bolted it tastes bitter and awful. I wonder how many people think they don't like cilantro but they've only ever had bolted cilantro?

[@GT2ENVY1]

The recipe is on point! 🔥🔥🔥

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thank you!!

[@Belivo]

Was waiting for the "I ain't mad at it"

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

So good. :)

[@baddguy76]

I absolutely love that you use the REAL sodas. These Americans just dont understand that high fructose corn syrup, which is in most of their foods, causes major cancers at a rapid pace. I live in NY and we have access to this real soda easily. And calling it mexican soda lol, i guess their govt isnt trying to kill them w soda, like in the US 🤣🤣. Great video Matt

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

HAHA good point!

[@SterlingCreekProps]

Looks incredible! 👍🏼

[@MeatChurchBBQ]

Thanks John!

[@brandonallenday1000]

Would love to see a salsa verde recipe to put on top.

[@jeremysmith876]

I know what I’m making this weekend!

[@robstevenson6447]

Ok. Seriously y'all need to send me a trial pack of all your seasonings!!!😅😂❤