19 Chipotle Mexican Grill Pork Carnitas Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
Pork carnitas are a staple dish at Chipotle Mexican Grill, known for its flavorful and tender shredded pork. Many fans of the popular restaurant chain have tried to recreate this dish at home, but often struggle to achieve the same delicious results. Luckily, we have cracked the code and are here to share the secret recipe for Chipotle Mexican Grill's pork carnitas.
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt Roast, Salt, Cumin, Coconut Oil, Onion
Taco Tuesdays just got a whole lot better with these delicious pork carnita tacos! Tender, juicy pork is slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of spices and then stuffed into warm tortillas. Top it off with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate taco experience.
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Mexican Cuban Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Ham Slices, Cheese, Pickled Jalapenos
Put a Mexican twist on a classic Cuban sandwich with this unique recipe. Tender pork carnitas, tangy pickles, and creamy mustard are layered between slices of crusty bread and then pressed until crispy and melty. It's the perfect lunch or dinner option for any sandwich lover.
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Epic Paleo Nachos
Main Ingredients: Chips, Queso Blanco, Carnitas, Avocados, Red Onion
Who says you can't enjoy nachos on a paleo diet? These epic paleo nachos are loaded with all the classic toppings like melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños, but with a healthier twist. The pork carnitas add a delicious and protein-packed element to these already mouthwatering nachos. They're perfect for game day or a fun weekend snack.
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Epic Paleo Nachos with Carnitas (Dairy-Free,...
Main Ingredients: Plantain Chips, Queso Blanco, Carnitas, Avocados, Red
If you're looking for a dairy-free and gluten-free option, look no further than these epic paleo nachos with carnitas. The carnitas are cooked to perfection and then topped with dairy-free cheese, fresh salsa, and avocado slices. It's a guilt-free and delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite.
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Carnitas & Street Corn Stuffed Zucchini with Ole...
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Olive Oil, Corn, Red Onion, Zucchini
Take your zucchini game to the next level with this unique and flavorful recipe. Tender pork carnitas and a delicious street corn mixture are stuffed into zucchini boats and then topped with a creamy Ole sauce. It's a low-carb and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
You can't go wrong with a classic Mexican pork carnitas recipe. Tender and juicy pork is marinated in a blend of spices and then slow-cooked to perfection. Serve it up as tacos, burritos, or on its own with some rice and beans. It's a versatile and delicious dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Arepas
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Salt, Warm Water, Oil, Chipotle, Chicken
If you've never had an arepa before, you're missing out. These delicious corn cakes are a staple in Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine. Top them with tender pork carnitas, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese for a flavorful and filling meal. It's a unique and delicious way to enjoy pork carnitas.
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Carnitas Mac and Cheese Burrito
Main Ingredients: Butter, Flour, Milk, Chipotle, Elbow Pasta, Tortillas
Why choose between mac and cheese and a burrito when you can have both? This indulgent and delicious recipe combines the two into one epic dish. Pork carnitas, creamy mac and cheese, and all your favorite burrito toppings are rolled up into a tortilla for a truly epic meal.
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Pulled Pork Chipotle BBQSandwich
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Vegetable Oil, Seasoned Rice Vinegar, Salt
Take your pulled pork sandwiches to the next level with this chipotle BBQ version. Tender pork carnitas are smothered in a spicy and smoky chipotle BBQ sauce and then topped with tangy coleslaw for a delicious and satisfying sandwich. It's perfect for a summer cookout or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a beloved Mexican street food for a reason – they're simple, flavorful, and delicious. These carnitas street tacos are no exception, with tender pork, fresh toppings, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor. They're perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fun and casual party.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
If you're a fan of quesadillas (and let's be real, who isn't?), then you have to try these slow cooker carnitas quesadillas. The slow cooker does all the work to create tender and flavorful pork, which is then stuffed into cheesy quesadillas and served with your favorite toppings. It's a simple and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Put a Mexican twist on a classic Italian dish with this delicious and unique Mexican lasagna recipe. Layers of tortillas, pork carnitas, and cheese are topped with a flavorful enchilada sauce for a satisfying and comforting meal. It's perfect for a family dinner or for serving a crowd.
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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 is always a crowd-pleaser. These carnitas enchiladas are no exception, with tender pork, melty cheese, and a flavorful enchilada sauce. Serve them up with some rice and beans for a complete and delicious meal.
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Posole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)
Main Ingredients: Guajillo, Salt, White Hominy, Pork Shoulder, Garlic
Warm up on a chilly day with a bowl of posole rojo, a traditional Mexican stew made with pork and hominy. The pork carnitas add a delicious and hearty element to this already flavorful and comforting dish. Serve it up with some fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, and lime for the ultimate posole experience.
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Mexican Quinoa Bowl with Chipotle Vinaigrette
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Vinaigrette, Quinoa, Tomatoes, Avocados
Looking for a healthy and flavorful meal? Look no further than this Mexican quinoa bowl with chipotle vinaigrette. The pork carnitas add a delicious and protein-packed element to this already nutritious bowl, which also features quinoa, black beans, and fresh veggies. Drizzle on the chipotle vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
Take your taco game to the next level with this fun and interactive taco board. Tender pork carnitas, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas are all laid out for your guests to create their own delicious tacos. It's perfect for a party or a casual dinner with friends.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
Add a tangy and flavorful element to your pork carnitas tacos with this delicious tomatillo salsa verde. The tangy salsa pairs perfectly with the tender pork and adds a burst of freshness to each bite. It's a simple and delicious way to elevate your taco game.
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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 delicious and flavorful meals like chilaquiles. This Whole30-approved version features tender pork carnitas, crispy sweet potatoes, and a flavorful enchilada sauce. It's a satisfying and healthy meal that the whole family can enjoy.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos with Jalapeño Corn Salsa and...
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Creamed Corn, Flour Tortillas, Fresh
Add a little kick to your pork carnitas tacos with this delicious jalapeño corn salsa and creamy guacamole. The spicy salsa and creamy guacamole pair perfectly with the tender pork and warm tortillas for a burst of flavor in every bite. It's a simple and delicious way to enjoy pork carnitas.
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Grilled Carnitas and Chorizo Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Chorizo Sausage, Sweet Peppers, Corn Kernels
The Key Ingredient: Pork Shoulder
What sets Chipotle's pork carnitas apart from other recipes is the use of pork shoulder, also known as pork butt. This cut of meat is ideal for slow-cooking and develops a rich, succulent flavor when prepared correctly. While other cuts of pork may work in a pinch, using pork shoulder is crucial for achieving that signature Chipotle taste.
When shopping for pork shoulder, look for a piece that is well-marbled with fat and has a good amount of connective tissue. This may seem counterintuitive, but the fat and collagen in the meat will melt and baste the pork as it cooks, resulting in tender, juicy carnitas.
Marinade Matters
The marinade is the key to infusing the pork with the bold flavors that Chipotle is known for. The restaurant's pork carnitas are marinated in a blend of citrus juices, garlic, and spices for at least 24 hours before cooking. This not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
When making the marinade at home, be sure to use fresh citrus juices for the best results. The combination of lime, lemon, and orange juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the pork. The garlic and spices, including cumin, oregano, and chili powder, give the meat a savory and slightly spicy kick.
The Slow-Cooking Method
Slow-cooking is the key to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture of Chipotle's pork carnitas. The restaurant uses a traditional Mexican cooking method called "carnitas," which involves simmering the meat in lard until it is fall-apart tender. However, we have found a more accessible and healthier alternative that still yields delicious results.
To recreate this slow-cooking method at home, simply place the marinated pork shoulder in a slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. This allows the pork to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender and flavorful carnitas.
Finishing Touches
Once the pork is cooked, it's time to add the finishing touches to mimic the Chipotle experience. First, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Then, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shredded pork, along with some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. This will help to crisp up the edges of the meat, just like at Chipotle.
Lastly, add a sprinkle of kosher salt and fresh cilantro to enhance the flavors and give the carnitas a final burst of freshness. Serve the pork carnitas in tacos, burritos, bowls, or any other way you like to enjoy them.
With this secret recipe, you can now enjoy the authentic taste of Chipotle's pork carnitas in the comfort of your own home. So next time you're craving this popular dish, skip the line and give this recipe a try.
