20 Authentic Mexican Pulled Pork Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
Welcome to the ultimate guide for an authentic Mexican pulled pork recipe! This mouth-watering dish, also known as "carnitas," has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The tender and flavorful pork is perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served with rice and beans. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make the most delicious and authentic Mexican pulled pork at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this traditional dish!
Main Ingredients: Pork Lard, Pork Shoulder, Onion, Whole Milk, Water
If you're craving authentic Mexican flavors, then this carnitas recipe is a must-try. Tender and juicy pulled pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and served with all your favorite toppings for the ultimate taco night. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
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Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Butt, Brown Onion, Bay Leaves, Dried
For a slightly different take on traditional carnitas, try this recipe that adds a hint of orange juice for a sweet and tangy twist. The citrus adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the savory pork, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve in tacos, burritos, or on top of a bed of rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Carnitas – Mexican Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Kosher Salt, Garlic Salt, Ground Cumin
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the delicious flavors of carnitas, this Instant Pot recipe has got you covered. The pressure cooker locks in all the juices and flavors, resulting in tender and flavorful pulled pork in a fraction of the time. Plus, it's a great way to use up that leftover pork shoulder sitting in your fridge.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of fillings, but pulled pork is definitely a fan favorite. These carnitas enchiladas are filled with tender and flavorful pork, smothered in a rich and spicy sauce, and topped with melted cheese. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos (Carnitas)
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Sauce, Tortillas, Avocado Slices, Tomato
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe takes them to the next level with perfectly seasoned and tender pulled pork. Load up your tortillas with the pork, your favorite toppings, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. Don't forget the guacamole for the ultimate taco experience.
If you want to keep things simple, this classic Mexican pork carnitas recipe is the way to go. It requires just a few ingredients and some patience as the pork slowly cooks to perfection. The result is succulent and flavorful pork that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to burritos to salads.
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Pulled pork enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Cooked Rice, Chopped Green
Enchiladas are a great way to use up leftover pulled pork from a previous meal. Simply wrap the pork in tortillas, top with your favorite enchilada sauce, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
If you want to add a little heat to your tacos, try this recipe that pairs pork carnitas with a tangy and spicy tomatillo salsa verde. The combination of flavors is irresistible and will have you reaching for seconds. Serve with some spicy salsa on the side for an extra kick.
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Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Medium White Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil
For a twist on traditional enchiladas, try this recipe that uses pulled pork instead of ground beef or chicken. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream and cilantro, for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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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 are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. These carnitas street tacos are loaded with tender and flavorful pork, fresh toppings, and a squeeze of lime. They're great for a summer BBQ or a casual weeknight dinner.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
For a fun and flavorful twist on traditional nachos, try this recipe that uses pulled pork as the main topping. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and tender pork is a match made in heaven. Add some jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
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Red Pulled Pork Enchiladas with Jalapeño Corn and...
Main Ingredients: Large Flour Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Creamed Corn
This recipe takes pulled pork enchiladas to a whole new level with the addition of jalapeño corn and a red enchilada sauce. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party. Serve with some chopped tomatoes and avocado for a burst of freshness.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that can be made with a variety of fillings, but pulled pork is definitely one of the best options. These slow cooker carnitas quesadillas are filled with tender and flavorful pork, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings. Serve with salsa and guacamole for dipping.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
For a classic and comforting meal, try these carnitas enchiladas that are filled with tender and flavorful pulled pork. The addition of black beans and corn adds a nice texture and flavor to the dish. Top with some sour cream and cilantro for a burst of freshness.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
If you're hosting a party or a game night, this taco board is a great way to feed a crowd in a fun and interactive way. Load up a large platter with all your favorite toppings, tortillas, and of course, tender and juicy pork carnitas. Let your guests build their own tacos for a personalized and delicious meal.
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Keto Pulled Pork Tacos
Main Ingredients: Cheddar, Mozzerella, Pork Tenderloin, Pork Carnitas
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the delicious flavors of pulled pork tacos. This recipe uses lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb and satisfying meal. The combination of tender pork, spicy salsa, and creamy avocado is a match made in keto heaven.
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Posole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)
Main Ingredients: Guajillo, Salt, White Hominy, Pork Shoulder, Garlic
This hearty and comforting stew is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is perfect for a cold winter night. The pork is slow-cooked until it falls apart, and the hominy adds a nice texture and flavor to the dish. Serve with some lime wedges and cilantro for a burst of freshness.
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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, this chilaquiles recipe is a must-try. It's loaded with tender and flavorful carnitas, crispy sweet potatoes, and a tangy and spicy salsa. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
If you're looking for a comforting and flavorful soup, this carnitas caldo is the perfect choice. It's made with tender pulled pork, vegetables, and a flavorful broth for a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve with some corn tortillas for dipping.
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Sopes
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried
Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that are similar to a thick tortilla or corn cake. They can be topped with a variety of ingredients, but pulled pork is a delicious and flavorful option. Load them up with your favorite toppings, such as queso fresco and pico de gallo, for a delicious and unique meal.
The History of Mexican Pulled Pork
The Origins of Carnitas
Carnitas, which translates to "little meats," is a dish that originated in the state of Michoacán in Mexico. It is believed to have been created by the indigenous people of the region, who would cook pork in large copper pots over an open fire. This cooking method resulted in tender and flavorful meat that could be easily pulled apart. As the dish gained popularity, it became a staple in Mexican celebrations and festivals, such as Day of the Dead and Cinco de Mayo.
Traditional Cooking Techniques
The key to true authentic Mexican pulled pork lies in the cooking techniques. In the traditional method, the pork is first marinated in a combination of citrus juices, spices, and herbs. It is then slow-cooked for several hours until it becomes tender and falls apart. The final step is to crisp up the edges of the pork in a pan, giving it a crispy and caramelized coating.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Now that we have covered the history and cooking techniques, let's talk about the ingredients needed for this delicious dish. The main ingredient, of course, is pork shoulder or butt, preferably bone-in for added flavor. For the marinade, you'll need freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients will infuse the pork with a delicious citrusy and savory flavor. You'll also need vegetable oil, salt, and pepper for cooking the pork.
The Cooking Process
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
In a large bowl, mix together the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Place the pork in the marinade and make sure it is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Pork
Remove the pork from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear on all sides until golden brown. This will help to lock in the juices and develop a rich flavor. Reduce the heat to low and add the marinade to the pot. Cover and let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart.
Step 3: Crisp Up the Pork
Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of the cooking liquid from the pot. Add the shredded pork to the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges become crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Authentic Mexican pulled pork can be served in a variety of ways. You can use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. It also makes a delicious topping for nachos or a filling for quesadillas. For a more traditional meal, serve it with rice, beans, and warm tortillas. Don't forget to top it off with your favorite salsa, guacamole, and crumbled cotija cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Now that you have the perfect authentic Mexican pulled pork recipe, it's time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Impress your family and friends with this traditional and delicious dish that will transport them to the streets of Mexico. Buen provecho!
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