Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered. One such gem that caught my attention shortly after we moved here is “Tacos Uruapan” nestled in the heart of Pilsen.
The famous eatery serves up carnitas, a type of Mexican pulled pork, and they don’t serve much else. There are some salsas, and some fried pork skins, but the real main event is the pulled pork. It is amazingly tender and perfect in a tortilla.
A Bite of History: Unraveling the Origins of Carnitas
Carnitas, which translates to “little meats,” is a dish with deep-rooted historical significance in Mexican cuisine. Originating in the state of Michoacán, carnitas was traditionally prepared as a way to utilize the entire pig while celebrating communal feasts and gatherings. The method of slow-cooking pork in its own fat, resulting in tender and flavorful meat, has been passed down through generations, preserving the essence of Mexican culinary tradition.
Tacos Uruapan, located at 1725 W 18th St, Chicago, IL, has become a local favorite, celebrated for its rich history and dedication to crafting traditional Mexican dishes. The restaurant, situated in the culturally vibrant neighborhood of Pilsen, encapsulates the essence of Mexican cuisine in each bite. From the quirky artwork that adorn its walls to the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen, Tacos Uruapan is a testament to the deep-rooted culinary heritage of Mexico.
As I indulged in their signature carnitas tacos, a wave of nostalgia swept over me, reminding me of my hometown in south Texas along the Mexican border. The tender, succulent pulled pork, infused with a symphony of spices, transported me back to . . . my own kitchen, because I make this dish all the time! Here’s my recipe for a flavor not much different from this famous version in Chicago.
Crafting Perfect Carnitas: A Recipe Inspired by Tacos Uruapan
To recreate the magic of Tacos Uruapan in the comfort of your own kitchen, you’ll need:
- 2-3 pounds of pork shoulder, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin (comino)
- 4 bay leaves (hojas de laurel)
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of fresh cracked pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, inserted directly into the meat
- 1 whole Spanish onion, quartered
The secret to achieving melt-in-your-mouth carnitas lies in the slow cooking process.
Begin by placing the pork shoulder in a crockpot. Sprinkle the cumin, bay leaves, kosher salt, and cracked pepper evenly over the meat.
Next, insert the garlic cloves directly into the pork. I simply make an X into the meat with a knife into 4 separate spots. Then insert the whole garlic cloves into each X.
The garlic’s essence will infuse the meat as it cooks, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Quarter the Spanish onion and place it around the pork in the crockpot. The onion’s natural sweetness will complement the savory spices, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Cook the ingredients on high for approximately 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender enough to effortlessly pull apart. As the hours tick by, your kitchen will be enveloped in a tantalizing aroma that mirrors the essence of Tacos Uruapan.
You can also cook this on low for the whole day, and you will come home after a long day to the smell of a spices and simmering pork.
I always serve this with my Mexican rice, and if you can’t find fresh corn tortillas, make sure to try my recipe for flour tortillas.
Of course, I always add fresh cilantro, salsa, avocado, and lime as garnish.
Embark on Your Culinary Adventure
Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets to crafting sensational carnitas, it’s time to embark on your culinary adventure. Recreate the tantalizing experience of Tacos Uruapan’s carnitas tacos and invite the flavors of Mexico into your own home. As you savor each bite, let the tender pork and aromatic spices transport you to the lively streets of Pilsen and beyond.
Remember, cooking is an art that thrives on creativity and personal touches. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients or serving suggestions that resonate with your palate. The world of culinary exploration is vast, and with each dish, we pay homage to the cultures that have shaped our taste buds.
Share Your Culinary Tale
As you delve into this delicious journey, I invite you to share your experience in the comments below. Did you give the recipe a try? How did it turn out? Every culinary endeavor has a story to tell, and I can’t wait to hear yours.
Let’s keep the conversation alive and the flavors thriving.
Desi says
Yummy yummy 😋