Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Hot Water, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Avocado
This twist on traditional arepas is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The tender carnitas are paired with a creamy guasacaca sauce for the perfect combination of flavors. Plus, the arepas are cooked on the grill for that extra smoky taste.
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5-Ingredient Crispy Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Light Beer, Minced Garlic, Lime Juice
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious meal, these 5-ingredient crispy carnitas are the way to go. With only a few simple ingredients, you'll have tender and flavorful carnitas ready to serve in no time.
For a classic take on carnitas, try this Mexican pork carnitas recipe. The meat is slow-cooked until it's fall-apart tender and then roasted for the perfect crispy exterior. Serve with your favorite toppings and tortillas for a mouthwatering meal.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are all the rage, and these carnitas street tacos are no exception. The tender and flavorful carnitas are topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate taco experience. Plus, they're perfect for a crowd.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
If you love quesadillas, you're going to love this slow cooker carnitas version. The meat is cooked in the slow cooker until it's fall-apart tender, then it's paired with cheese and your favorite fillings for a delicious and easy meal.
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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 adds a twist with the addition of carnitas. The tender and flavorful meat is wrapped in tortillas and smothered with a homemade enchilada sauce for a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Corn Tortillas, Tomatillo Salsa, White Onion
It wouldn't be a list of top 20 Beer Can Chicken recipes without a classic carnitas taco recipe. These tacos are simple yet full of flavor, making them the perfect weeknight meal. Plus, they're customizable so everyone can add their favorite toppings.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
Take your taco night to the next level with this easy pork carnitas taco board. The tender and juicy carnitas are served alongside all your favorite taco toppings for a fun and interactive meal. It's perfect for a party or a casual family dinner.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
For a twist on traditional carnitas tacos, try this recipe with a tangy tomatillo salsa verde. The salsa adds a burst of flavor to the tender and juicy carnitas, making for a delicious and unique taco experience.
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Carnitas Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Carnitas, Salsa
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting meal, look no further than this carnitas soup. The tender meat is cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and topped with crispy tortilla strips for the ultimate comfort food dish.
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Healthy Chicken Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Black Beans, Whole Kernel Corn, Plum
If you're trying to eat healthier but still want to enjoy delicious carnitas, this recipe is for you. The carnitas are made with chicken instead of pork and are served in a burrito bowl with all your favorite toppings. It's a satisfying and nutritious meal.
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Carnitas Lettuce Wraps With Cherry Peach Salsa
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Cherries, Peach, Cilantro, Lime, Pepper
For a lighter take on carnitas, try these lettuce wraps with a fruity cherry peach salsa. The sweet and tangy salsa pairs perfectly with the tender and flavorful carnitas, making for a refreshing and delicious meal.
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Carnitas Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Salsa Verde, Mozzarella Cheese, Carnitas
Yes, you read that right – carnitas pizza! This unique recipe combines two favorites – pizza and carnitas – for a flavorful and fun meal. The crispy and tender meat is paired with your favorite pizza toppings for a delicious and creative dish.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
This hearty and flavorful soup is sure to warm you up on a cold day. The carnitas are cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and hominy for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve with warm tortillas for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Main Ingredients: Frozen Corn Kernels, Queso Fresco, Fresh Cilantro
For a creative spin on carnitas, try these pupusadillas – a triple decker combination of pupusas and quesadillas. The crispy and tender carnitas are sandwiched between layers of cheese and masa tortillas for a unique and delicious meal.
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Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Black Beans, Sweet Corn Kernels, Salsa, Lime
If you love burrito bowls, you have to try this carnitas version. The tender and flavorful meat is paired with rice, beans, and all your favorite toppings for a satisfying and delicious meal. Plus, it's customizable so everyone can make their own bowl.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
For a heartier version of the carnitas burrito bowl, try this recipe with pork instead of chicken. The meat is slow-cooked until it's fall-apart tender and then paired with all your favorite burrito bowl toppings for a delicious and filling meal.
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Loaded Carnitas Tacos With Avocado Tomatillo Salsa
Main Ingredients: Tomatillos, Jalapeno, Garlic, Avocado, Cilantro, Salt
For a twist on traditional carnitas tacos, try this recipe with a creamy and tangy avocado tomatillo salsa. The salsa adds a burst of flavor to the tender and juicy carnitas, making for a unique and delicious taco experience.
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Pork Carnita Tacos
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt Roast, Salt, Cumin, Coconut Oil, Onion
If you're looking for a simple and classic carnitas taco recipe, this one is for you. The tender and flavorful meat is cooked in a slow cooker for an easy meal that's sure to please. Serve with your favorite toppings and tortillas for a delicious and traditional taco night.
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Keto Mexican One Pot Casserole – With Pork Carnitas!
Main Ingredients: Butter, Garlic, Green Pepper, Medium Zucchini, Ground
For a keto-friendly option, try this Mexican one pot casserole with pork carnitas. The tender and flavorful meat is paired with cauliflower rice and other low-carb ingredients for a satisfying and delicious meal that won't break your diet.
Making Authentic Carnitas at Home
Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish typically made with pork, is a staple in many Mexican restaurants. The word "carnitas" translates to "little meats" in Spanish and refers to the crispy, tender chunks of pork that are slow-cooked and then fried to perfection. While this dish may seem intimidating to recreate at home, with the right ingredients and methods, you can easily make authentic carnitas right in your own kitchen.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
The key to making delicious carnitas is starting with the right cut of pork. Traditionally, pork shoulder is used because it has a good balance of fat and meat, making it perfect for slow cooking. You can also use pork butt or pork belly if you prefer. Make sure to look for a cut of pork with a good amount of marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Seasoning and Cooking the Pork
Once you have your pork cut, it's time to season it. For authentic carnitas, you'll want to use a combination of garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder to give the pork a delicious, savory flavor. Rub the seasonings all over the pork, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Next, place the pork in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until it is fork-tender.
Crisping Up the Carnitas
Once the pork is cooked and tender, it's time to crisp it up. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it cool for a few minutes. Shred the pork into bite-sized pieces and then heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and then place the shredded pork in the pan. Let it cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden brown.
Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Carnitas
Now that your carnitas are perfectly crispy, it's time to serve them up! You can enjoy them in a variety of ways, such as in tacos, burritos, or as a topping for nachos. Serve them with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cilantro for a burst of flavor. Once you try your homemade carnitas, you'll never want to go back to the restaurant version again.
In Conclusion
Making authentic carnitas at home may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and methods, you can easily recreate this savory Mexican dish in your own kitchen. So next time you're craving carnitas, skip the restaurant and try making it at home for a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
