20 Carnitas Recipe From Chipotle Mexican Grill You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Apr 7, 2024
Chipotle Mexican Grill is known for its delicious and customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos, but one of their most beloved dishes is their signature carnitas. Slow-roasted and full of flavor, this pork dish has become a fan favorite and can now be recreated in the comfort of your own kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy the mouth-watering taste of Chipotle's carnitas without having to leave your home.
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt Roast, Salt, Cumin, Coconut Oil, Onion
Pork carnitas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are often used as a filling for delicious tacos. The tender, flavorful meat is cooked low and slow until it is fall-apart tender and then served with your favorite toppings. This recipe takes it a step further by adding a delicious Mexican twist with the addition of homemade carnita seasoning and a tangy salsa verde. Get ready to take your taco game to the next level with these mouthwatering Pork Carnita Tacos.
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Mexican Cuban Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Ham Slices, Cheese, Pickled Jalapenos
The traditional Cuban sandwich gets a Mexican makeover with this recipe. Tender and juicy pork carnitas are layered with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between two crispy pieces of bread. The result is a sandwich that is bursting with flavor and texture. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these Mexican Cuban sandwiches are sure to become a family favorite.
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Epic Paleo Nachos with Carnitas (Dairy-Free,...
Main Ingredients: Plantain Chips, Queso Blanco, Carnitas, Avocados, Red
If you're following a paleo diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of nachos. These epic Paleo Nachos are made with crispy plantain chips, homemade carnitas, and a dairy-free cheese sauce. Topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, and jalapenos, these nachos are the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and creamy. A must-try for any nacho lover following a paleo lifestyle.
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Carnitas & Street Corn Stuffed Zucchini with Ole...
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Olive Oil, Corn, Red Onion, Zucchini
This unique recipe takes the flavors of Mexican street corn and combines them with tender pork carnitas, all stuffed inside a zucchini boat. Topped with a creamy avocado sauce and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, these stuffed zucchinis are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your favorite Mexican flavors. Plus, they're also low-carb and gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
There are many different ways to make pork carnitas, but this recipe is a classic and foolproof option. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices until it is fall-apart tender and then broiled to give it a crispy exterior. Serve it with warm tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a simple and delicious meal that will transport you to the streets of Mexico.
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Carnitas Mac and Cheese Burrito
Main Ingredients: Butter, Flour, Milk, Chipotle, Elbow Pasta, Tortillas
Mac and cheese and burritos may seem like an unlikely combination, but trust us, it works. This recipe combines tender pork carnitas, creamy mac and cheese, and your favorite burrito fillings, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It's comfort food at its finest and the perfect way to use up any leftover carnitas you may have.
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Epic Paleo Nachos
Main Ingredients: Chips, Queso Blanco, Carnitas, Avocados, Red Onion
These Paleo Nachos are not your average nachos. Made with crispy plantain chips, homemade carnitas, and a dairy-free cheese sauce, they're a healthy and delicious way to satisfy your nacho cravings. Topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, and jalapenos, these nachos are a flavor explosion in every bite.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a popular Mexican street food and for a good reason. These small, handheld tacos are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick meal on the go. This recipe uses tender pork carnitas, topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve them up on warm tortillas and get ready to experience taco heaven.
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Arepas
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Salt, Warm Water, Oil, Chipotle, Chicken
Arepas are a traditional Venezuelan and Colombian dish made from cornmeal dough. They can be filled with a variety of fillings, including pork carnitas. These arepas are filled with tender, flavorful carnitas, topped with a tangy salsa, and served with a side of avocado for a delicious and unique twist on the classic arepa.
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Pulled Pork Chipotle BBQSandwich
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Vegetable Oil, Seasoned Rice Vinegar, Salt
This recipe takes the classic pulled pork sandwich and gives it a Mexican twist. The tender pork is slow-cooked with chipotle peppers and a homemade BBQ sauce, giving it a spicy and smoky flavor. Serve it on a soft bun with your favorite toppings for a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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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 filled with a variety of ingredients. These Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas are filled with tender pork, melted cheese, and a tangy salsa, all sandwiched between two crispy tortillas. The slow cooker does all the work in this recipe, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight 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 that can be filled with a variety of meats and vegetables. This recipe uses tender pork carnitas, smothered in a delicious homemade enchilada sauce and topped with cheese. Baked to perfection, these enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
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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 interactive way to serve tacos, and this Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board is no exception. The star of the board is the tender and flavorful pork carnitas, surrounded by all of your favorite toppings and fillings. Let everyone build their own tacos, and watch as this delicious meal disappears in no time.
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Grilled Carnitas and Chorizo Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Chorizo Sausage, Sweet Peppers, Corn Kernels
Take your nachos to the next level with this recipe for Grilled Carnitas and Chorizo Nachos. The toppings are grilled to perfection, adding a smoky and charred flavor to the dish. Topped with homemade carnitas, spicy chorizo, and all of your favorite nacho toppings, these nachos are a must-try for any nacho lover.
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Torta de Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Bolillos, Sour Cream, Chipotle Paste
Torta de Carnitas is a Mexican-style sandwich that is packed with flavor and texture. The tender pork carnitas are layered with avocado, refried beans, and pickled jalapenos, all between two pieces of crispy bread. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
These Pork Carnitas Tacos are taken to the next level with the addition of a tangy tomatillo salsa verde. The salsa adds a refreshing and zesty flavor to the tacos, perfectly complementing the tender and juicy pork. Top them off with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Pizza w/ Chipotle-Avocado Crema
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Jalapeno, Pizza
If you're looking for a creative and delicious way to use up leftover carnitas, this Carnitas Pizza is the answer. The homemade crust is topped with a spicy chipotle-avocado crema, tender pork carnitas, and your favorite pizza toppings. It's a unique and flavorful twist on traditional pizza that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa
Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that is typically served for breakfast. This Whole30 version includes tender pork carnitas, crispy sweet potatoes, and a tangy tomatillo salsa. It's a hearty and nutritious meal that is perfect for starting your day off on the right foot.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos with Jalapeño Corn Salsa and...
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Creamed Corn, Flour Tortillas, Fresh
These Pork Carnitas Tacos are taken to the next level with the addition of a spicy and flavorful jalapeno corn salsa. The salsa adds a refreshing and zesty flavor to the tacos, perfectly complementing the tender and juicy pork. Top them off with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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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 comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day. The tender pork carnitas are simmered in a rich and flavorful broth, along with vegetables and spices. Served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings, this soup is a complete and satisfying meal.
The Perfect Cut of Meat
Choosing the Right Pork Shoulder
When it comes to making authentic carnitas, the type of pork shoulder you use is crucial. The best cut of meat for this recipe is a boneless pork shoulder, also known as a pork butt. It has the perfect balance of meat and fat, which will result in tender and flavorful carnitas. Make sure to look for a cut of pork that has a good amount of marbling and is not overly lean.
Pro tip: If possible, buy your pork shoulder from a local butcher for the freshest and highest quality meat.
Trimming and Preparing the Meat
Once you have your pork shoulder, it's important to trim off any excess fat and silver skin. This will prevent the meat from becoming too greasy and tough during cooking. Cut the pork into large chunks, about 2-3 inches in size, and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
The Secret Ingredient
The Importance of Citrus
While the pork is the star of the show, the secret to Chipotle's carnitas lies in the citrus marinade. This not only adds a bright and tangy flavor to the meat, but it also helps to tenderize it. The marinade consists of orange juice, lime juice, and lemon juice, along with garlic and oregano. Letting the pork marinate in this mixture for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, will result in the most flavorful carnitas.
The Slow Cooking Process
Low and Slow is the Way to Go
To achieve the perfect tender and juicy carnitas, it's important to cook the pork at a low temperature for a longer period of time. This allows the fat to render and the flavors to fully develop. You can use a slow cooker or an oven for this recipe, just make sure to cook the pork for 4-6 hours at 325°F. The pork should be fork-tender and easily shred with little effort.
Crispy Carnitas
For those who enjoy a crispy texture to their carnitas, the final step is to broil the meat for a few minutes. This will give the edges a nice caramelized and slightly crispy finish. Just make sure to keep a close eye on the pork to avoid burning.
Enjoy Your Homemade Chipotle Carnitas
With just a few simple steps, you can now enjoy the deliciousness of Chipotle's carnitas in the comfort of your own home. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides, such as guacamole, black beans, and salsa, and impress your family and friends with your homemade version of this beloved dish. So next time you're craving some Chipotle, skip the line and try making their famous carnitas at home. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.
