Carnitas, a staple in authentic Mexican cuisine, is a delicious and flavorful dish that has gained popularity all over the world. This slow-cooked pork dish is traditionally made by simmering meat in lard and spices until it becomes tender and crispy. While the traditional method is still widely used, there are many variations of this dish that can be found in different regions of Mexico. In this article, we will explore a professional and well-organized recipe for authentic Mexican carnitas that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Hot Water, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Avocado
This recipe puts a Latin American spin on Beer Can Chicken by using carnitas, a slow-cooked pork dish, as the filling for arepas, a traditional cornmeal cake. Top it off with a delicious guasacaca, a Venezuelan avocado-based sauce, for a burst of flavor in every bite. It's a unique and tasty way to enjoy your Beer Can Chicken.
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5-Ingredient Crispy Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Light Beer, Minced Garlic, Lime Juice
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make Beer Can Chicken, this recipe is for you. With only 5 ingredients, you can have crispy carnitas in no time. Simply season the chicken with your favorite spices, place it on a beer can, and roast it in the oven until it's crispy and golden brown. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy your Beer Can Chicken.
This recipe is a classic take on Beer Can Chicken with a Mexican twist. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of Mexican spices and roasted on a beer can for an extra boost of flavor. Serve it with your favorite salsa and guacamole for a complete Mexican feast.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Take your Beer Can Chicken to the streets with this recipe for carnitas street tacos. The chicken is cooked on a beer can for maximum flavor, then shredded and served in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings. It's the perfect dish for a casual and fun dinner with friends.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
If you're a fan of slow cooker meals, then this recipe is for you. The chicken is cooked on a beer can in the slow cooker, making it tender and juicy with minimal effort. Use the shredded chicken to make quesadillas for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Transform your Beer Can Chicken into a tasty enchilada dish with this recipe. The chicken is cooked on a beer can for an extra kick of flavor, then shredded and rolled into corn tortillas. Top it off with a homemade enchilada sauce and plenty of cheese for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Corn Tortillas, Tomatillo Salsa, White Onion
Who doesn't love tacos? This recipe takes Beer Can Chicken to the next level by using it as the filling for tacos. The chicken is slow-roasted on a beer can for maximum flavor, then shredded and served in crispy taco shells with your favorite toppings. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
This recipe is perfect for hosting a party or a game night. The Beer Can Chicken is served on a taco board with all the fixings, allowing your guests to customize their own tacos. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy your Beer Can Chicken.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
Add a tangy and zesty twist to your Beer Can Chicken with this recipe for pork carnitas tacos with tomatillo salsa verde. The chicken is cooked on a beer can for maximum flavor, then shredded and served in soft corn tortillas with a delicious homemade tomatillo salsa verde. It's a refreshing and flavorful dish that will be a hit at any gathering.
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Carnitas Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Carnitas, Salsa
Warm up on a chilly day with a bowl of carnitas soup. This recipe uses Beer Can Chicken as the base for a hearty and comforting soup filled with vegetables and spices. Top it off with some tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Healthy Chicken Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Black Beans, Whole Kernel Corn, Plum
Looking for a healthier option for your Beer Can Chicken? This recipe is for you. The chicken is cooked on a beer can and then shredded and served in a burrito bowl with rice, beans, avocado, and fresh vegetables. It's a nutritious and flavorful way to enjoy your Beer Can Chicken.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
Warm up with this hearty and comforting carnitas caldo recipe. The chicken is cooked on a beer can and then shredded and added to a flavorful broth with potatoes, carrots, and corn. Top it off with some cilantro and lime juice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Salsa Verde, Mozzarella Cheese, Carnitas
Take your Beer Can Chicken to the next level by turning it into a pizza. The chicken is cooked on a beer can and then shredded and used as a topping for a homemade pizza crust. Add your favorite vegetables and cheese for a delicious and unique pizza experience.
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Carnitas Lettuce Wraps With Cherry Peach Salsa
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Cherries, Peach, Cilantro, Lime, Pepper
For a lighter and fresher take on Beer Can Chicken, try this recipe for carnitas lettuce wraps with cherry peach salsa. The chicken is cooked on a beer can and then shredded and served in butter lettuce leaves with a sweet and tangy salsa. It's a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy your Beer Can Chicken.
Main Ingredients: Frozen Corn Kernels, Queso Fresco, Fresh Cilantro
For a unique and flavorful twist on Beer Can Chicken, try this recipe for carnitas pupusadillas. The chicken is cooked on a beer can and then shredded and sandwiched between two pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made with cornmeal. Top it off with some avocado and cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Black Beans, Sweet Corn Kernels, Salsa, Lime
Take your Beer Can Chicken to the next level with this recipe for a carnitas burrito bowl. The chicken is cooked on a beer can and then shredded and served in a bowl with rice, beans, corn, and your favorite toppings. It's a versatile and delicious way to enjoy your Beer Can Chicken.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
For a twist on the classic Beer Can Chicken, try this recipe for pork carnitas burrito bowl. The chicken is slow-cooked on a beer can and then combined with rice, beans, vegetables, and salsa for a flavorful and satisfying meal. It's a perfect dish for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
Transform your Beer Can Chicken into a delicious and flavorful enchilada dish with this recipe. The chicken is cooked on a beer can and then shredded and rolled into corn tortillas with a homemade enchilada sauce. Top it off with some cheese and sour cream for a satisfying and tasty meal.
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Carnitas Burrito
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Tortillas, Cooked White Rice, Cilantro, Black
Who doesn't love a good burrito? This recipe takes Beer Can Chicken to the next level by using it as the filling for a hearty and flavorful burrito. The chicken is slow-roasted on a beer can for maximum flavor, then combined with rice, beans, vegetables, and salsa. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and happy.
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Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Jack Cheese, Pinto
For a fun and tasty twist on Beer Can Chicken, try this recipe for carnitas nachos. The chicken is cooked on a beer can and then shredded and used as a topping for a delicious plate of nachos. Top it off with your favorite nacho toppings for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Pork
Pork Shoulder: 3-4 pounds, cut into 2-inch cubes
Orange Juice: 1 cup
Lime Juice: ½ cup
Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
Bay Leaves: 3
Cumin: 1 tablespoon
Oregano: 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
For Serving
Tortillas: corn or flour
Cilantro: chopped
Onions: diced
Limes: cut into wedges
Salsa: your preferred type
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
In a large bowl, mix together the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Add the pork cubes and toss to coat evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Pork
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat 2 tablespoons of lard or oil over medium-high heat.
Using tongs, remove the pork cubes from the marinade and add them to the pot, reserving the marinade for later.
Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once all the pork has been seared, pour the reserved marinade over the meat.
Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven.
Cook for 3 hours, stirring the pork every hour to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven
After 3 hours, remove the lid and continue cooking the pork for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, until the meat is tender and easily falls apart.
At this point, if there is still a lot of liquid in the pot, you can turn the heat up to 375°F (190°C) and let the pork cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to crisp up the edges.
Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding it with a fork.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Heat up your tortillas on a hot skillet or in the microwave.
Add the shredded pork to the tortillas and top with chopped cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serve with your preferred salsa on the side.
Conclusion
Authentic Mexican carnitas is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways. You can serve it as tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for nachos. This professional and well-organized recipe will guide you in making the perfect carnitas that will transport you to the streets of Mexico with each bite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor the authentic flavors of Mexico in your own kitchen.