Street Tacos & Charred Meats

Best Carnitas Michoacanas in Los Angeles

Look for authentic Michoacán-style carnitas cooked in copper cauldrons at Imperial Night Market in Downtown LA on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, when a vendor is serving it. Free entry.

CLOSED · REOPENS FRIDAY
Fri 6:30 – 10:30 pm
Sat–Sun 5 – 10:30 pm
2300 E 15th St, Downtown LA · Free entry
Plan your visit Get directions
CATEGORY
Street Tacos & Charred Meats
ORIGIN
Michoacán (Quiroga)
PREPARATION
Copper-cauldron pork confit
MARKET
Fri 6:30pm · Sat–Sun 5pm
HERITAGE

The origins of carnitas michoacanas

Carnitas represent the zenith of Mexican whole-animal butchery and slow-cooking mastery, celebrated nationwide but rooted in the central highland towns of Michoacán, particularly Quiroga and Santa Clara del Cobre. The authentic cooking process centers on massive hand-hammered copper kettles known as cazos de cobre. Skilled maestros carniteros simmer every cut of pork in its own rendered lard over steady open heat for three to four hours.

Ingredients like sea salt, sweet orange halves, Mexican Coca-Cola, and a touch of condensed milk are often introduced into the boiling lard to build a deep golden mahogany crust without drying the interior. Diners order specific cuts tailored to their palate: lean tender shoulder (maciza), gelatinous pork skin (cuerito), melt-in-your-mouth ribs (costilla), pork belly (costillita), buche, chamorro, and mixed combinations (surtida). Whether ordered hot on double corn tortillas or packed by the pound in butcher paper for family tables, carnitas remain a communal celebration.

WHY IT MATTERS

Hand-hammered copper distributes uniform thermal conductivity that prevents the high-fat confit from scorching over long cooking hours. Furthermore, ordering carnitas por libra (by the pound) allows diners to sample every regional cut, combining lean maciza with rich collagenous cuerito to experience the full spectrum of texture.

Savory Caramelized Pork Shoulder and BellyRich Melt-in-Mouth Cuerito and CostillaSea Salt & Citrus Golden Mahogany CrustBulk Family Meats Sold by the Pound (Por Libra)

If you like carnitas michoacanas

STREET TACOS Al Pastor View specialty → STREET TACOS Birria & Quesatacos View specialty → MASA ANTOJITOS Cemitas Poblanas View specialty → MASA ANTOJITOS Tlacoyos & Huaraches View specialty →

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy carnitas in bulk by the pound at Imperial Night Market?

Yes, Ricas Carnitas Michoacanas specifically offers meats por libra (by the pound), weighed fresh with butcher paper, steaming tortillas, and salsas for family dining.

What cuts can I request when ordering?

You can order lean maciza (shoulder), gelatinous cuerito (skin), costilla (ribs), buche (stomach), chamorro (shank), lengua (tongue), or surtida (mixed cuts).

Where can I read about traditional carnitas during the week?

Discover in-depth cultural articles on Michoacán butchery, copper metallurgy, and regional food origins on the Muy Delicioso culinary platform.