15 Authentic Mexican Carnitas Recipe Crock Pot Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
If you're a fan of authentic Mexican cuisine, then you've probably heard of carnitas. This slow-cooked dish is a staple in many Mexican households, and it's no wonder why - the tender, juicy, and flavorful meat is perfect for tacos, burritos, or just on its own. And the best part? You can easily make it at home using your trusty crock pot. In this article, we'll share with you our authentic Mexican carnitas recipe crock pot so you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Brown Sugar, Cumin, Oregano, Salt, Garlic
Pork carnitas, also known as Mexican slow cooker pulled pork, is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's made by slow cooking pork shoulder in a variety of herbs and spices, resulting in tender and juicy meat that falls apart with just a touch. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be used in a variety of dishes.
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Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Salt, Black Pepper, Onion, Jalapeno
Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that is made by slow cooking pork in a variety of spices and herbs. It's a popular street food in Mexico and is typically served in tacos, burritos, or on its own with a side of rice and beans. The word "carnitas" literally translates to "little meats," and it's a fitting name for this dish as the pork is tender and falls apart into small pieces.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that is made by combining cheese and other ingredients between two tortillas and then pan-frying them until crispy. Slow cooker carnitas make the perfect filling for quesadillas, adding a delicious and savory flavor to this already tasty dish. Top it off with some salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a truly mouth-watering meal.
Mexican pork carnitas are a staple of Mexican cuisine and are a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual dinner with friends or a festive celebration. The pork is slow cooked with a variety of spices, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that is full of flavor.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
Tacos are a classic Mexican dish that is loved by people all over the world. The combination of tender pork carnitas and tangy tomatillo salsa verde makes for a delicious and unforgettable taco experience. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a popular Mexican street food that is loved for its simplicity and deliciousness. They are typically made with small corn tortillas, topped with meat, cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. Slow cooker carnitas make the perfect filling for street tacos, adding a burst of flavor to this simple yet tasty dish.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
Burrito bowls are a popular dish that is made by combining rice, beans, meat, and other toppings in a bowl. They are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional burritos, and slow cooker carnitas make the perfect protein for this dish. Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, salsa, or cheese, for a truly satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish that is made by rolling tortillas around a filling and topping them with sauce and cheese. Slow cooker carnitas make the perfect filling for enchiladas, adding a rich and savory flavor to this classic dish. Top it off with some cilantro and sour cream for a truly delicious meal.
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Carnitas Taco Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Lime, Garlic Clove, Salt, Bibb Lettuce, Red
Lettuce wraps are a popular dish that is made by filling lettuce leaves with a variety of ingredients, typically a protein, vegetables, and sauce. Slow cooker carnitas make the perfect filling for lettuce wraps, adding a delicious and savory flavor to this healthy and low-carb dish. Top it off with some avocado and salsa for a burst of freshness.
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Carnitas Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Dried Oregano, Ground Cumin
Poblano peppers are a mild chili pepper that is perfect for stuffing. They are larger and easier to handle than bell peppers, making them the ideal vessel for a delicious filling. Slow cooker carnitas make the perfect filling for poblano peppers, adding a rich and savory flavor to this unique and tasty dish.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
Taco boards are a fun and creative way to serve tacos for a group. They typically consist of a variety of toppings and fillings, allowing everyone to customize their own tacos. Slow cooker carnitas make the perfect protein for a taco board, and you can get creative with different toppings and sauces to make it a memorable meal.
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Carnitas Chilaquiles with Whipped Jalapeño Cream.
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Roast, Canola Oil, Pepper, Salt, Smoked
Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that is made by layering fried tortilla chips with a variety of toppings and sauces. Slow cooker carnitas make the perfect protein for this dish, adding a rich and savory flavor to the crunchy tortilla chips. Top it off with a whipped jalapeño cream for a spicy and creamy kick.
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Ultimate Nachos with Beer-Braised Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Salt, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Onion Powder, Chili
Nachos are a classic game-day food that is loved by people of all ages. They typically consist of tortilla chips topped with cheese, meat, and other toppings, and are baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Slow cooker carnitas make the perfect topping for nachos, adding a delicious and hearty flavor to this beloved dish.
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Skinny Crispy Carnitas Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch
Main Ingredients: Mission Corn Tortillas, Cream, Carnitas, Avocado
These crispy carnitas tacos are a healthier alternative to traditional tacos, and they are just as delicious. The pork carnitas are cooked until crispy and paired with a tangy cilantro lime ranch sauce for a burst of flavor. Top it off with some fresh veggies for a satisfying and guilt-free meal.
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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa
If you're following a Whole30 diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious and flavorful dishes like chilaquiles. This Whole30-friendly version of chilaquiles is made with pork carnitas, sweet potatoes, and a homemade salsa verde for a delicious and nutritious meal that will satisfy your cravings.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
Carnitas caldo, also known as carnitas soup, is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for those colder days. It's made with slow-cooked pork carnitas, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, resulting in a delicious and filling meal. Top it off with some crispy tortilla strips and avocado for a burst of texture and flavor.
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Mexican Cuban Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Ham Slices, Cheese, Pickled Jalapenos
The Cuban sandwich, also known as the Cubano, is a popular sandwich that originated in Cuba and is now beloved all over the world. This Mexican twist on the classic sandwich features delicious pork carnitas, adding a rich and savory flavor to the traditional combination of ham, cheese, and pickles.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork & Creamy Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Onion, Garlic, Beef Broth, Water, Brown
Pulled pork and coleslaw is a classic combination that is loved for its sweet and tangy flavors. This slow cooker version of the dish makes it incredibly easy to make, and the addition of pork carnitas adds a delicious and savory twist to the traditional recipe. Serve it on a bun or on top of a bed of coleslaw for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
Enchiladas are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. This version of enchiladas features pork carnitas as the filling, adding a rich and savory flavor to the dish. Top it off with your favorite enchilada sauce and some cheese for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Bowls
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Rice, Pico De Gallo, Black Beans, Whole
Bowls are a popular dish that is made by layering rice, beans, meat, and other toppings in a bowl. This version of bowls features tender and flavorful pork carnitas as the protein, adding a delicious and hearty flavor to the dish. Top it off with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, salsa, or cheese, for a satisfying and customizable meal.
Ingredients
Meat:
3-4 pounds of pork shoulder or butt, cut into 2-inch chunks
Pork lard (or oil of your choice)
Marinade:
1 cup of orange juice
1 cup of lime juice
1 cup of pineapple juice
2 tablespoons of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
2 teaspoons of chili powder
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the marinade.
Add the pork chunks to the marinade and make sure they are well coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
In a large pan, heat the pork lard (or oil) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork chunks and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are browned.
Transfer the pork to your crock pot and pour the remaining marinade over the meat.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meat should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Once done, remove the meat from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
Optional step: For crispy carnitas, heat a large pan over high heat and add the shredded meat. Let it cook for a few minutes until it starts to crisp up.
Serve the carnitas in tacos, burritos, or any other way you prefer, and enjoy your authentic Mexican carnitas!
Final Thoughts
Making Mexican carnitas in a crock pot is not only easy, but it also guarantees delicious and flavorful results. The combination of citrus juices and spices in the marinade gives the pork a unique and mouth-watering taste. And with the help of your trusty crock pot, you can have a delicious and authentic Mexican meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills? They'll be asking for seconds, guaranteed.
