15 Authentic Mexican Carnitas Recipe Slow Cooker Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 13, 2024
Mexican carnitas, a traditional dish consisting of succulent, slow-cooked pork, has become a beloved staple in many households. Its rich and flavorful taste, combined with its versatility, makes it a top choice for any meal. While there are several ways to prepare this dish, the slow cooker method is by far the easiest and most convenient. In this article, we will walk you through an authentic Mexican carnitas recipe that is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Brown Sugar, Cumin, Oregano, Salt, Garlic
If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you've probably had pork carnitas before. This delicious dish is made with tender, slow-cooked pork that is seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. The result is a flavorful and juicy meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, and more. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker. Here are 20 mouth-watering recipes for pork carnitas that will take your taste buds on a trip to Mexico.
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Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Salt, Black Pepper, Onion, Jalapeno
This classic recipe for pork carnitas is a must-try for any Mexican food lover. It's made with a blend of spices including cumin, oregano, and chili powder, giving the meat a rich and smoky flavor. The pork is slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, making it tender and easy to shred. Serve it with your favorite toppings and tortillas for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these slow cooker carnitas quesadillas. The tender and juicy pork is combined with gooey melted cheese and crispy tortillas for the ultimate comfort food. Serve them with your favorite salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a delicious and hearty meal.
This recipe for Mexican pork carnitas is another classic dish that is sure to please. It's made with a blend of spices, orange juice, and beer, which give the meat a unique and delicious flavor. Cooked in a slow cooker, the pork comes out tender and flavorful, perfect for stuffing into tacos or topping off a salad.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
Take your pork carnitas to the next level with these flavorful and zesty tacos. The meat is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and topped with a tangy tomatillo salsa verde for a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve them with your favorite toppings and enjoy a fiesta in your mouth.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and these carnitas street tacos are no exception. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection and seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, making it juicy and flavorful. Serve them up on small tortillas with your favorite toppings for a tasty and authentic Mexican street food experience.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional tacos, then this pork carnitas burrito bowl is the perfect option. It's made with all the same flavorful ingredients, including slow-cooked pork, rice, beans, and your choice of toppings. It's a delicious and filling meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish, and this recipe for carnitas enchiladas is a must-try. The slow-cooked pork is combined with a blend of spices, cheese, and enchilada sauce, then rolled up in tortillas and baked to perfection. Top it off with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Taco Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Lime, Garlic Clove, Salt, Bibb Lettuce, Red
For a lighter and healthier option, try these carnitas taco lettuce wraps. The meat is slow-cooked and seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, then served in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing and tasty meal. Top it off with your favorite toppings, and you've got a delicious and guilt-free dish.
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Carnitas Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Dried Oregano, Ground Cumin
If you're a fan of stuffed peppers, then you'll love these carnitas stuffed poblano peppers. The tender and juicy pork is combined with rice, beans, cheese, and spices, then stuffed into roasted poblano peppers and baked to perfection. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
Impress your guests with this easy pork carnitas taco board. The slow-cooked pork is served alongside a variety of toppings, tortillas, and chips, allowing everyone to customize their own tacos. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious dish and is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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Carnitas Chilaquiles with Whipped Jalapeño Cream.
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Roast, Canola Oil, Pepper, Salt, Smoked
Take your pork carnitas to the next level with this recipe for carnitas chilaquiles. The slow-cooked pork is combined with tortilla chips, salsa verde, and cheese, then baked to perfection. Top it off with a whipped jalapeño cream for a creamy and flavorful finishing touch.
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Ultimate Nachos with Beer-Braised Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Salt, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Onion Powder, Chili
Upgrade your nacho game with these ultimate nachos topped with beer-braised carnitas. The slow-cooked pork is combined with a flavorful blend of spices and beer, then piled onto crispy tortilla chips with your choice of toppings. It's a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for game day or any gathering.
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Skinny Crispy Carnitas Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch
Main Ingredients: Mission Corn Tortillas, Cream, Carnitas, Avocado
If you're looking for a healthier option, these skinny crispy carnitas tacos are the way to go. The pork is slow-cooked and seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, then served in crispy corn tortilla shells. Top it off with a refreshing cilantro lime ranch for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa
For those following a Whole30 diet, these chilaquiles with carnitas and sweet potatoes are a must-try. The slow-cooked pork is combined with crispy sweet potatoes, salsa, and avocado for a delicious and healthy meal. It's a great way to enjoy your favorite Mexican flavors while still sticking to your diet.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty and flavorful carnitas caldo, also known as carnitas soup. The slow-cooked pork is combined with a variety of vegetables, spices, and broth, creating a delicious and comforting soup that will keep you coming back for more.
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Mexican Cuban Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Ham Slices, Cheese, Pickled Jalapenos
Put a Mexican twist on a classic Cuban sandwich with this mouth-watering recipe. The slow-cooked pork is combined with ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed between two slices of bread for a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a fun and tasty way to enjoy your leftover carnitas.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork & Creamy Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Onion, Garlic, Beef Broth, Water, Brown
For a Southern-inspired dish, try this recipe for slow cooker pulled pork served with creamy coleslaw. The pork is slow-cooked and combined with a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce, then served on buns with a side of creamy coleslaw for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
For a twist on traditional enchiladas, try these carnitas enchiladas. The slow-cooked pork is combined with a blend of spices, cheese, and enchilada sauce, then rolled up in tortillas and baked to perfection. It's a great way to use up leftover carnitas and create a new and delicious dish.
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Beef Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomato, Chopped Onion, Avocado, Fresh Cilantro
If you're not a fan of pork, try these mouth-watering beef carnitas tacos instead. The beef is slow-cooked with a blend of spices, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. Serve it with your favorite toppings and tortillas for a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone.
The Importance of Authenticity in Mexican Cuisine
When it comes to Mexican food, authenticity is key. It is a cuisine that is deeply rooted in culture and tradition, and it is essential to honor that when preparing any dish. This is especially true for carnitas, which is considered a staple in Mexican cuisine. The word "carnitas" translates to "little meats," and it is a dish that has been passed down for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to it. Therefore, it is crucial to use the right ingredients and cooking methods to truly capture the essence of this traditional dish.
The Slow Cooker Method
While the traditional way of cooking carnitas is in a large pot over an open flame, the slow cooker method has gained popularity in recent years. Not only does it save time and effort, but it also allows the flavors to develop and intensify over a longer period. The result is tender, juicy pork with a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Additionally, the slow cooker allows for a hands-off approach, making it perfect for busy schedules.
The Key Ingredients
To create authentic Mexican carnitas, you will need a few key ingredients that are essential to its flavor profile. The first and most crucial ingredient is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt. This cut of meat has the right balance of fat and meat, making it perfect for slow cooking. You will also need traditional Mexican spices such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder to enhance the flavor of the pork. Finally, citrus fruits such as oranges and limes add a tangy and refreshing element to the dish.
The Final Touch
Once the pork is cooked to perfection, the final step is to crisp it up. This is achieved by shredding the meat and placing it under a broiler for a few minutes until it becomes crispy and caramelized. This step is what sets authentic Mexican carnitas apart from other slow-cooked pork dishes, giving it a unique texture and adding a depth of flavor.
In conclusion, authentic Mexican carnitas is a dish that is not only delicious but also has a rich history and cultural significance. With the right ingredients and cooking method, you can recreate this traditional dish in the comfort of your own home. So why not gather your family and friends and enjoy this mouth-watering meal together?
