16 Best Mexican Pulled Pork Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold and vibrant flavors, and one dish that perfectly showcases this is pulled pork. Tender and juicy pulled pork is a staple in traditional Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, and tortas. While there are many variations of this dish, we have narrowed down the search for the best Mexican pulled pork recipe. This recipe is easy to follow and will surely impress your family and friends with its authentic taste and mouth-watering aroma.
Main Ingredients: Pork Lard, Pork Shoulder, Onion, Whole Milk, Water
Carnitas, also known as Mexican pulled pork, is a delicious and versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. Traditionally, it is made by simmering pork in lard until it is tender and then shredding it. However, there are many variations of this recipe that use different cooking methods and seasonings to create unique and flavorful dishes.
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Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Butt, Brown Onion, Bay Leaves, Dried
If you're looking for a classic and authentic version of carnitas, then this is the recipe for you. The pork is slow-cooked in lard until it is fall-apart tender and then served with traditional Mexican accompaniments such as corn tortillas, salsa, and guacamole. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for a fiesta or any occasion.
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Instant Pot Carnitas – Mexican Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Kosher Salt, Garlic Salt, Ground Cumin
For those who want to enjoy the flavors of carnitas without the long cooking time, this Instant Pot recipe is the way to go. The pork is pressure-cooked until it is tender and then broiled in the oven to crisp up the edges. This method results in a tender and juicy meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on its own.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Take your enchiladas to the next level by using carnitas instead of the traditional chicken or beef filling. The tender and flavorful pork pairs perfectly with the tangy enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Top it off with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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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 for a good reason – they're delicious! These carnitas tacos are no exception. The tender and juicy pulled pork is seasoned with traditional Mexican spices and served in warm corn tortillas with your choice of toppings. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion.
If you want to switch up your traditional pork carnitas recipe, then this version is a must-try. It uses a combination of pork shoulder and pork belly for extra flavor and tenderness. The meat is slow-cooked in a delicious blend of spices and orange juice, resulting in a tangy and flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
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Pulled pork enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Cooked Rice, Chopped Green
If you're a fan of both pulled pork and enchiladas, then this recipe is a match made in heaven. The tender and juicy pulled pork is combined with a creamy and spicy sauce and then rolled up in corn tortillas. Top it off with some cheese and bake until golden and bubbly. It's the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
These tacos are a delicious and refreshing twist on the traditional carnitas tacos. The pork is slow-cooked in a tangy and flavorful tomatillo salsa verde, resulting in a bright and flavorful filling. Serve it up with some fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal.
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Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Medium White Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil
These pulled pork enchiladas are a great way to use up any leftover carnitas. The tender and juicy pork is combined with a creamy and spicy sauce and rolled up in corn tortillas. Top it off with some cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. It's a delicious and convenient way to repurpose your leftovers.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a popular and delicious option for a quick and tasty meal. These carnitas street tacos are made with tender and flavorful pulled pork, served in warm corn tortillas and topped with your choice of toppings. It's a great option for a busy weeknight or a fun and casual gathering with friends.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
Nachos are a classic and crowd-pleasing appetizer, and this loaded carnitas version takes them to the next level. The tender and juicy pulled pork is piled high on top of crispy tortilla chips, covered in cheese, and topped with all your favorite nacho toppings. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for sharing.
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Red Pulled Pork Enchiladas with Jalapeño Corn and...
Main Ingredients: Large Flour Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Creamed Corn
These enchiladas are a flavorful and spicy twist on the traditional version. The pulled pork is combined with a tangy and smoky red enchilada sauce and rolled up in corn tortillas with a delicious jalapeño corn and black bean mixture. Top it off with some cheese and bake until bubbly and golden for a meal that will spice up your dinner routine.
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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. These slow cooker carnitas quesadillas are filled with tender and flavorful pulled pork, melty cheese, and your choice of toppings. It's a delicious and convenient option for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
If you're a fan of traditional enchiladas, then this recipe is a must-try. The pulled pork is combined with a tangy and spicy enchilada sauce and rolled up in corn tortillas. Top it off with some cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve it up with your favorite Mexican sides for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
Taco boards are a great way to serve up a variety of tacos and toppings for a fun and interactive meal. This easy pork carnitas taco board is filled with tender and flavorful pulled pork, a variety of toppings, and warm corn tortillas. It's a great option for a party or a fun and casual dinner with family and friends.
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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 all the delicious flavors of carnitas. These keto pulled pork tacos use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas, making them a low-carb and gluten-free option. The tender and flavorful pulled pork is still the star of the show, and you can top it off with all your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Posole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)
Main Ingredients: Guajillo, Salt, White Hominy, Pork Shoulder, Garlic
Posole is a traditional Mexican stew that is made with pork and hominy. This posole rojo recipe uses tender and flavorful pulled pork as the base and adds in traditional spices and hominy for a hearty and comforting dish. It's perfect for a cold and rainy day or anytime you want a satisfying and flavorful 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 the delicious flavors of carnitas. These chilaquiles use tender and flavorful pulled pork, sweet potatoes, and a homemade enchilada sauce for a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
This carnitas caldo is a comforting and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather. The tender and juicy pulled pork is combined with traditional Mexican ingredients like corn, potatoes, and spices to create a hearty and delicious soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Sopes
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried
Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that is made with a thick corn tortilla, topped with a variety of savory ingredients. These sopes are filled with tender and juicy pulled pork, creamy refried beans, and topped with traditional Mexican toppings like salsa, cheese, and avocado. They're a delicious and unique way to enjoy carnitas.
The Secret to Perfectly Seasoned Pulled Pork
The Importance of Rubbing
One of the key elements to a flavorful pulled pork is the rub. This is a mixture of spices and herbs that are rubbed onto the meat before cooking. The rub not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize and enhance the natural juices of the pork. For our Mexican pulled pork recipe, we recommend using a combination of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. These spices are commonly used in Mexican cuisine and will give your pulled pork that authentic taste.
The Magic of Marinating
Another important step in this recipe is marinating the pork. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. For our marinade, we recommend using a combination of orange juice, lime juice, and achiote paste. The acidity from the citrus juices helps to break down the meat fibers, making it more tender. Achiote paste, also known as annatto, adds a rich, earthy flavor and a beautiful red hue to the pork.
The Cooking Process
Low and Slow is the Way to Go
To achieve the perfect pulled pork, it's important to cook it slowly over low heat. This allows the meat to become tender and juicy while also infusing it with all the flavors from the rub and marinade. We recommend cooking the pork in a slow cooker or a dutch oven on low heat for 6-8 hours. You'll know it's done when the meat easily falls apart with a fork.
Adding the Final Touches
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or dutch oven and shred it using two forks. To add some extra depth of flavor, we recommend returning the shredded pork back to the cooking liquid and simmering for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the pork to soak up all the delicious juices and spices.
Enjoying Your Mexican Pulled Pork
Now that you have your perfectly seasoned and tender pulled pork, it's time to enjoy it in your favorite Mexican dishes. Serve it in warm tortillas with your choice of toppings for delicious tacos, or add it to a toasted bun with some avocado and salsa for a tasty torta. The options are endless and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for authentic Mexican flavors.
In Conclusion
This Mexican pulled pork recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some excitement to their meals. With the perfect combination of rub, marinade, and cooking process, you'll have a dish that is bursting with flavor and sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the best Mexican pulled pork you've ever tasted.
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