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When the Monday munchies hit at dawn, nothing satisfies like a few killer tacos. Carnitas El Huracán Del Sur, 3535 S. Palo Verde Rd., is a humble food truck on Tucson’s south side. The truck delivers carnitas worth waking up for.
In the morning, bright cartoon pig flags flutter along Palo Verde Road to mark this taco haven. Early sunlight gleams through the lineup of colorful salsas. A lively stream of folk music pumps from a giant speaker near the limes and radishes.
Even the Tucson Foodie team took notice, crowning these tacos among the best things they tasted in February. One bite explains why.
The carnitas taco showcases the art of Michoacán-style pork. Tender shreds of pork are slowly cooked in their own fat until juicy and soft, then crisped at the edges for a satisfying bite. Each mouthful bursts with rich pork flavor, accented by a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and onion. It comes on a warm corn tortilla that soaks up the savory juices, so have napkins ready for this gloriously messy treat.
Meanwhile, the taco mixto offers an even more adventurous bite. It combines the succulent carnitas with bits of braised pork skin and tender pork stomach. The result is a uniquely gelatinous and sticky filling. The braised skin and slow-cooked pork create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels indulgent.
Pro tip: the tacos here make an ideal breakfast or early lunch. They even serve breakfast burritos for the early crowd, so you will not leave hungry.
Carnitas El Huracán Del Sur also boasts a vibrant salsa bar that invites you to customize each bite. Do not neglect it. A trip to the salsa bar is part of the experience. You will find the full spectrum of house-made salsas, from mild and tangy to fiery hot. Bowls of chopped cilantro, onion, fresh lime wedges, and crisp radish slices line the counter so you can dress your tacos to your liking.
One salsa in particular steals the show: the nopal cactus salsa. Made from tender chopped nopales, this bright green salsa was the pleasant surprise among the offerings. It packs a tangy, bright acidity and a unique okra-like sliminess that might give cautious eaters pause. But on these rich tacos, it works. The cactus brings a light, citrusy snap that cuts through the fattiness of the carnitas and braised pork.
Classic red and green salsas, smoky chile oil, and avocado salsa might be on hand too. Feel free to sample them all. A squeeze of lime and a couple of crunchy radish slices on top of your taco add even more zest and texture. The bottom line: do not sleep on the salsa bar. It is as integral to the experience as the pork itself, especially the nopal salsa that ties the meal together.
Service is friendly and quick, but once the carnitas sell out, that is it for the day. Showing up on the early side ensures you get the freshest batch of pork and maybe a chat. Grab a cold bottle of Mexican soda or a cup of agua fresca from the cooler, pile your plate with salsas, and dig in. Bring your appetite and plenty of napkins. With its irresistible tacos, lively salsa bar, and welcoming morning ambiance, Carnitas El Huracán Del Sur turns a case of the munchies into a Tucson taco adventure to remember.
Carnitas El Huracán Del Sur is located at 3535 S. Palo Verde Rd. It is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday. Visit Carnitas El Huracán Del Sur on Facebook.
For more taco adventures, check out the city’s top Mexican spots.
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