Less Is More Carnitas

1. 1

   Chop the pork shoulder into about 3/4 inch cubes. Don't even think of cutting off the fat or collagen, these are what make it great.

2. 2

   Salt the meat chunks and place in large, sturdy, flat bottomed pan with bay leaves. Add water to cover the top of the chunks and bring to a simmer.

3. 3

   Let simmer until water has completely evaporated, about and hour and a half. Test meat for tenderness with a knife and if not tender add additional water and simmer until tender.

4. 4

   Once water has evaporated and meat is tender, allow meat to fry in its own rendered fat until desired crispness, about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to check for browning.

5. 5

   When carnitas start frying prepare the taco topping. Chop a medium red onion finely and place in a small serving bowl. Add the juice of 1 small lime, or 1/2 large lime and mix.

6. 6

   Chop cilantro finely and mix in to onions. Cut at least 1 lime wedge per taco for serving.

7. 7

   Toast tortillas individually in a skillet, or on a comal, and keep warm for serving in oven or tortilla warmer.

8. 8

   Drain fried meat on paper bag or towels and serve as tacos with onion/cilantro topping and possibly some hot sauce. You can add roasted tomatillo salsa or guacamole if you want, but I like to keep it pure and simple, like street tacos. With a cerveza, of course.

9. 9

   p.s. You can use the leftover bay and pork infused fat to make a version of the bay butter from Momofuku. Just strain and cool, then whip with an equal volume of butter and add salt if needed. Goes well on toasted bread or English muffins.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.