20 Carnitas Recipe Mexican Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Apr 7, 2024
Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish, has gained popularity all over the world for its rich and flavorful taste. Made with tender and succulent pieces of pork, this recipe is a staple in Mexican cuisine and has become a favorite among food enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of carnitas and share a delicious mexican recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Carnitas, Salsa Verde, Pickled Red
Tender and juicy pulled pork, seasoned with authentic Mexican spices, served in a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings. These carnitas tacos are a mouthwatering way to enjoy your beer can chicken. Simply shred the meat and pile it high on your tacos, along with fresh pico de gallo, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. It's a flavor explosion in every bite.
If you want to take your carnitas to the next level, try this recipe that adds smoky chipotle peppers to the mix. The spicy and savory flavors of the chipotle peppers perfectly complement the sweet and malty flavors of the beer can chicken. Serve it in a warm tortilla with some fresh cilantro and a drizzle of creamy sour cream for a mouthwatering meal.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
If you're a fan of authentic Mexican street food, then you'll love these carnitas street tacos. The crispy beer can chicken skin adds a crunchy texture to the tender meat, while the sweet and tangy flavors of the pickled onions and jalapenos cut through the richness. Serve them on small corn tortillas for an addictive and authentic Mexican experience.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
If you want a simple and convenient way to enjoy your beer can chicken, try making these slow cooker carnitas quesadillas. The melty cheese, tender meat, and crispy tortilla make for a perfect combination. You can even add some sliced jalapenos or diced tomatoes for an extra kick. Easy to make and delicious to eat, these quesadillas are a must-try.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Upgrade your enchiladas game with this flavorful and hearty recipe that uses beer can chicken as the main ingredient. The rich and meaty flavors of the chicken are enhanced by the spicy red enchilada sauce, while the creamy cheese adds a luxurious touch. Serve with some freshly chopped cilantro and sour cream for a perfect finish.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
Impress your friends and family with this fun and creative way to serve beer can chicken tacos. Arrange all the toppings, including guacamole, salsa, black beans, and corn, on a large wooden board and let everyone build their own tacos. The juicy beer can chicken and crunchy toppings make for a delicious and interactive meal.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
Add a fresh and spicy twist to your beer can chicken tacos with this recipe that uses tomatillo salsa verde. The tangy and zesty flavors of the salsa perfectly balance the rich and savory flavors of the chicken. You can also add some crumbled queso fresco or diced avocado for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
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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 deliciousness of beer can chicken. Try this recipe for Whole30-approved chilaquiles that uses crispy sweet potatoes, spicy chorizo, and flavorful beer can chicken. Top it off with some freshly sliced avocado and salsa for a satisfying and healthy meal.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
On a chilly day, there's nothing like a warm and comforting bowl of soup. This carnitas caldo, or carnitas soup, is a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up from the inside out. The tender and juicy beer can chicken, along with fresh vegetables and Mexican spices, make for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
For a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor, try making this pork carnitas burrito bowl. Simply layer fluffy rice, black beans, corn, lettuce, and pico de gallo in a bowl, and top it off with tender and savory beer can chicken. You can also add some sour cream and guacamole for an extra creamy and rich finish.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
If you're a fan of spicy and cheesy enchiladas, you'll love this recipe that uses beer can chicken as the filling. The juicy and flavorful chicken, along with melty cheese and spicy enchilada sauce, make for a satisfying and indulgent meal. Serve with some sliced jalapenos and fresh cilantro for an extra kick.
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Beef Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomato, Chopped Onion, Avocado, Fresh Cilantro
If you're not a fan of pork, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of carnitas by making them with beef instead. This recipe uses flavorful and tender beef chuck roast, slow-cooked with Mexican spices, for a different take on traditional carnitas. Serve in warm tortillas with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes for a perfect and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Migas
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Lard, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Bay Leaf
Put a twist on your breakfast routine with these delicious and flavorful carnitas migas. These eggs are loaded with crispy tortilla strips, spicy chorizo, and tender beer can chicken, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve with some salsa and sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
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Carnitas Taco Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Lime, Garlic Clove, Salt, Bibb Lettuce, Red
For a lighter and healthier take on carnitas tacos, try making these lettuce wraps. The crisp and refreshing lettuce adds a nice contrast to the juicy and flavorful beer can chicken. You can also add some shredded cheese and salsa for an extra layer of flavor. Serve as an appetizer or a light lunch.
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Carnitas Bowls
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Rice, Pico De Gallo, Black Beans, Whole
For a balanced and nutritious meal, try making these carnitas bowls that are packed with protein and vegetables. Layer fluffy rice, black beans, corn, and salsa in a bowl, and top it off with tender and savory beer can chicken. You can also add some sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy and healthy finish.
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Loaded Carnitas Tacos With Avocado Tomatillo Salsa
Main Ingredients: Tomatillos, Jalapeno, Garlic, Avocado, Cilantro, Salt
For a flavor-packed and colorful meal, try making these loaded carnitas tacos with avocado tomatillo salsa. The creamy and zesty flavors of the salsa perfectly complement the juicy and savory beer can chicken. Top it off with some crumbled queso fresco and tangy pickled onions for a perfect and satisfying taco experience.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Upgrade your enchiladas game with this flavorful and indulgent recipe that uses pulled beer can chicken. The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken, along with creamy cheese and spicy enchilada sauce, make for a perfect and comforting meal. Serve with some freshly chopped cilantro and sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
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Carnitas Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Diced Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
For a flavorful and hearty soup that's perfect for fall and winter, try making this carnitas tortilla soup. The rich and savory flavors of the beer can chicken, along with tortilla strips, black beans, and corn, make for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Top it off with some freshly sliced avocado and sour cream for an extra layer of creaminess.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
For a crowd-pleasing and indulgent appetizer, try making these loaded carnitas nachos. The crispy tortilla chips, melty cheese, and savory beer can chicken make for a perfect and addictive combination. You can also add some diced tomatoes and sliced jalapenos for an extra kick. Serve with some guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for dipping.
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Shredded Pork Carnitas Quesadilla
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pork Shoulder, Salt, Chipotle Peppers
For a fun and delicious twist on a classic quesadilla, try making this recipe that uses shredded beer can chicken. The juicy and savory chicken, along with melty cheese, is sandwiched between two crispy tortillas, and then toasted to perfection. Cut into wedges and serve with some salsa and sour cream for a perfect and satisfying meal.
What are Carnitas?
Carnitas, which translates to "little meats" in Spanish, are made by slowly cooking small pieces of pork in their own fat. This technique is believed to have originated in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, where it was first introduced by the Tarascan people. The dish was traditionally made using the entire pig, with all its parts cooked together in a large copper pot over an open fire. Today, carnitas are typically made with pork shoulder or butt, cooked in a Dutch oven or slow cooker.
The Perfect Cut of Pork for Carnitas
When it comes to making carnitas, choosing the right cut of pork is crucial. The best cut for this dish is pork shoulder or butt, also known as pork shoulder picnic. These cuts are well-marbled, which means they have enough fat to keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process. Additionally, the connective tissue in these cuts breaks down when cooked slowly, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The Secret Ingredient: Orange Juice
While pork and fat are the main components of carnitas, there is one secret ingredient that adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish - orange juice. The acidity of the orange juice helps to tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor to the dish. It also helps to balance out the richness of the pork and adds a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Authentic Carnitas
Now that you know a little more about the history and key ingredients of carnitas, let's dive into the authentic Mexican recipe for this mouthwatering dish. Start by cutting the pork shoulder or butt into large chunks and marinating them in a mixture of orange juice, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and salt. Once marinated, cook the pork in its own fat, along with the marinade, until it becomes tender and crispy. Serve the carnitas with warm tortillas, salsa, and your choice of toppings for a truly authentic experience.
In conclusion, carnitas is a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine that has stood the test of time. With its rich history and delicious flavors, it's no wonder that this dish has gained a global following. So why not try making this carnitas recipe at home and experience the authentic taste of Mexico?
