Beef Carnitas Tacos

D and I are in the minority on this recipe.  It tasted weird.  So the stew meat was chewy, which is fine. It is cheap meat.  But the Carnitas gathered a Chinese Pot Roast Flavor. After 2 bites though, it became incredibly bland, even though D added way more seasoning than it called for (added chili powder, cayenne and Arizona Seasoning and salt).

The salsa for the tacos was good. 

We had with refried bacon beans.

Beef Carnitas

YIELD: 4 cups (serving size: 1/2 cup)
COURSE: Main Dishes

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 pounds beef stew meat, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup less-sodium beef broth
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 large unpeeled orange wedge

Preparation

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion; sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add beef; sauté 5 minutes or until beef is browned on all sides. Stir in broth, sugar, salt, and pepper; nestle orange section into beef mixture. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender. Remove and discard orange. Continue simmering, uncovered, 8 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates, stirring frequently.

Nutritional Information 

Amount per serving Calories: 180 Calories from fat: 40% Fat: 8g Saturated fat: 3g Monounsaturated fat: 3.4g Polyunsaturated fat: 0.3g Protein: 22.2g Carbohydrate: 3.5g Fiber: 0.4g Cholesterol: 71mg Iron: 2.5mg Sodium: 320mg Calcium: 16mg 

Cooking Light SEPTEMBER 2006

Beef Carnitas Tacos

These simple tacos are an ideal showcase for tender Beef Carnitas (or Pork Carnitas). Serve with a black bean salad and frozen margaritas or ice-cold beer. You can warm the tortillas in a nonstick skillet just until lightly browned.

 

YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: 2 tacos and 2 lime wedges)
COURSE: Main Dishes

Ingredients

2 cups chopped plum tomato (about 2 medium)
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup diced peeled avocado
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2 cups Beef Carnitas
1 lime, cut into 8 wedges

Preparation

Combine the first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl; toss well. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon 1/4 cup Beef Carnitas onto each tortilla; top each with about 3 tablespoons avocado mixture. Fold in half; serve with lime wedges.

Nutritional Information

Amount per serving: Calories: 235 Calories from fat: 30% Fat: 7.9g Saturated fat: 2.2g Monounsaturated fat: 3.2g Polyunsaturated fat: 0.9g Protein: 17.6g Carbohydrate: 26g Fiber: 3.8g Cholesterol: 48mg Iron: 2mg Sodium: 303mg Calcium: 37mg

Cooking Light SEPTEMBER 2006