19 Carnitas Recipe Mexican Made Easy Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Apr 7, 2024
If you're looking to bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico into your home, then look no further than this delicious carnitas recipe. Originating in the state of Michoacán, carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish made from tender, slow-cooked pork. This recipe is perfect for those who want to experience the authentic taste of Mexico without spending hours in the kitchen. So get your apron on and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Pork Lard, Pork Shoulder, Onion, Whole Milk, Water
This classic carnitas recipe is a must-try for any pork lover. The pork is slow-cooked until it's tender and then shredded for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Butt, Brown Onion, Bay Leaves, Dried
For a twist on the traditional carnitas, try this recipe that uses a combination of orange juice, lime juice, and spices to marinate the pork before cooking. The result is a flavorful and tender meat that's perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on its own.
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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, this Instant Pot carnitas recipe is the perfect solution. The pressure cooker cuts down on cooking time while still producing tender and flavorful pork. Plus, it's a one-pot meal, making clean-up a breeze.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Take your carnitas to the next level by using it as a filling for enchiladas. The pork, combined with cheese and enchilada sauce, creates a savory and satisfying meal that's perfect for a family dinner or a potluck with friends.
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Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos (Carnitas)
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Sauce, Tortillas, Avocado Slices, Tomato
It wouldn't be a list of carnitas recipes without including the classic pork tacos. This recipe uses a homemade spice rub to add a depth of flavor to the pork, creating a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
If you want to keep things simple, this traditional Mexican pork carnitas recipe is a great choice. With only a few ingredients and simple instructions, you can have a flavorful and tender pork dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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Pulled pork enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Cooked Rice, Chopped Green
These pulled pork enchiladas are a great way to use up any leftover carnitas. The combination of tender pork, cheese, and enchilada sauce makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for dinner or lunch the next day.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
If you're a fan of tangy and spicy flavors, these pork carnitas tacos with tomatillo salsa verde are a must-try. The salsa adds a refreshing and zesty kick to the tender and flavorful pork, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
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Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Medium White Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil
Another great way to use up leftover carnitas is by making these pulled pork enchiladas. The addition of black beans and corn adds a delicious and hearty element to the dish, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
If you're craving street food, these carnitas street tacos are the perfect solution. The pork is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and then cooked until tender, creating a delicious and authentic taco experience.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack, these loaded carnitas nachos are the way to go. The combination of tender pork, cheese, and toppings creates a flavorful and indulgent dish that's perfect for sharing.
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Red Pulled Pork Enchiladas with Jalapeño Corn and...
Main Ingredients: Large Flour Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Creamed Corn
For a unique twist on traditional enchiladas, try this recipe that combines pulled pork with jalapeño corn and black beans. The result is a spicy and flavorful dish that's perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
This slow cooker carnitas recipe is a great way to make a large batch of pork that you can use in different recipes throughout the week. These quesadillas are a tasty and easy way to use up any leftover carnitas, creating a quick and delicious meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
If you're a fan of enchiladas, this recipe is a must-try. The combination of tender pork, cheese, and enchilada sauce creates a classic and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
For a fun and creative way to serve tacos, try making this easy pork carnitas taco board. The pork is cooked in a slow cooker, making it easy to prepare, and then served with a variety of toppings for a customizable 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 delicious carnitas tacos. This recipe uses low-carb tortillas and a homemade spice rub to create a flavorful and keto-friendly meal that's sure to satisfy.
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Posole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)
Main Ingredients: Guajillo, Salt, White Hominy, Pork Shoulder, Garlic
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting dish, this posole rojo recipe is the way to go. The combination of pork, hominy, and spices creates a flavorful and filling stew that's perfect for a cold day.
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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, these chilaquiles with carnitas and sweet potatoes are a delicious and compliant meal option. The pork adds a satisfying protein element to this dish, while the sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
For a unique take on carnitas, try making this caldo recipe that turns the pork into a hearty and comforting soup. The combination of pork, vegetables, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for a chilly day.
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Sopes
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried
Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that features a fried masa base topped with a variety of toppings. This recipe uses carnitas as one of the toppings, creating a delicious and unique twist on this classic dish.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
Pork shoulder: 3-4 pounds, cut into 2-inch chunks
Garlic cloves: 3, minced
Onion: 1 large, chopped
Orange: 1, juiced
Lime: 1, juiced
Oregano: 1 tablespoon
Cumin: 1 tablespoon
Bay leaves: 2
Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper: to taste
For Serving:
Tortillas: corn or flour
Avocado: sliced
Cilantro: chopped
Red onion: diced
Queso fresco: crumbled
Salsa: for topping
Instructions
1. Marinate the Pork
In a large bowl, mix together the pork, garlic, onion, orange juice, lime juice, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, and salt and pepper. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Slow Cook the Pork
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low and add enough water to just cover the pork. Cover and let simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
3. Shred the Pork
Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the pot and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered, to allow the juices to reduce and thicken.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Warm up your tortillas and fill them with the shredded pork. Top with avocado, cilantro, red onion, queso fresco, and salsa. Serve and enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexico in your own home!
Final Thoughts
This carnitas recipe is a delicious and easy way to bring the flavors of Mexico into your home. The slow-cooked pork is tender and full of flavor, making it the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or even on its own. So next time you're in the mood for some authentic Mexican cuisine, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!
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