15 Mexican Carnitas Recipe Skillet Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 17, 2024
Mexican carnitas is a delicious and popular dish that has its roots in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. This flavorful dish is made with tender pieces of pork that are slow-cooked in a skillet until they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The key to making the perfect carnitas lies in the cooking process, which involves braising the meat in its own juices and spices. This article will provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to the traditional Mexican carnitas recipe, using a simple skillet method that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. So, let's get started and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish in just a few simple steps!
Main Ingredients: Old El Paso Flour Tortillas, Carnitas, Monterey Jack
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with these delicious Carnitas Skillet Nachos. Marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and cooked to perfection on the grill, the tender chicken is then shredded and piled on top of crispy tortilla chips along with your favorite toppings. Drizzled with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with fresh cilantro, these nachos are sure to be a hit at your next party.
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Country Breakfast Skillet
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Eggs, Red Potatoes, Green Peppers, Shredded
Who says beer can chicken is just for dinner? This Country Breakfast Skillet is a hearty and delicious way to use up any leftover chicken from the night before. Crispy potatoes, tender chicken, and savory vegetables are cooked together in a cast iron skillet, then topped with eggs and baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a quick and easy breakfast-for-dinner option.
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Pork Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Salt, Pepper, Ground Cumin, Onions, Bay
For a Mexican-inspired twist on beer can chicken, try these Pork Carnitas. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of spices, then cooked until tender and juicy on the grill. It is then shredded and mixed with a tangy and flavorful carnitas sauce. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings for a delicious and unique take on traditional beer can chicken.
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Garlic, Ginger, Honey, Soy Sauce
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet is a seafood lover's dream. Marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, the shrimp is then grilled to perfection and served on top of tender beer can chicken. This dish is perfect for a light and flavorful summer meal.
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Buttered Cod in Skillet
Main Ingredients: Cod, Unsalted Butter, Garlic Powder, Salt, Ground
If you're looking for a lighter option, this Buttered Cod in Skillet is a great choice. The chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of lemon and herbs, then cooked on the grill until tender and juicy. The cod is then cooked in a skillet with a delicious butter sauce and served on top of the chicken. This dish is perfect for a healthy and flavorful dinner.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Pepper
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then mixed with cooked pasta and topped with a creamy cheese sauce and tender beer can chicken. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Fresh Cilantro, Extra Virgin Olive
For a flavorful and easy weeknight meal, try these Skillet Chicken Fajitas. The chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of spices, then cooked on the grill and served with sautéed peppers and onions. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and all your favorite toppings for a delicious and customizable meal.
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Southwest Chicken Skillet
Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Salsa, Chicken, Black Beans
This Southwest Chicken Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a crowd. The chicken is marinated in a spicy blend of southwest flavors, then grilled and served on top of a bed of tender rice and beans. Topped with fresh avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, this dish is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
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Sopapillas - New Mexico Sopapillas
Main Ingredients: Baking Powder, Salt, Lard, Milk, Vegetable Oil, All
Sopapillas are a traditional New Mexican dessert, but they can also make a delicious savory dish when paired with beer can chicken. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, then stuffed inside a crispy sopapilla and topped with a drizzle of honey. These unique and tasty "tacos" are a fun twist on traditional beer can chicken.
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3-Ingredient Breakfast Skillet
Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Salsa, Eggs
If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast recipe, try this 3-Ingredient Breakfast Skillet. The chicken is cooked in a skillet with eggs and crispy hash browns, then topped with shredded cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a busy weekday breakfast.
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Skillet Creamy Chicken Mushroom Florentine
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil
This Skillet Creamy Chicken Mushroom Florentine is a rich and decadent meal that is perfect for a special occasion. The chicken is cooked in a creamy, garlic and mushroom sauce and served on top of a bed of tender pasta. This dish is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.
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One Skillet Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Honey, Soy Sauce, Red Wine
If you're a fan of honey garlic chicken, you'll love this One Skillet Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, then cooked in a skillet until golden and crispy. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
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Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Lard, Orange, Lime, Garlic Cloves, Jalapeno
This traditional Mexican dish is a flavorful and delicious way to use up any leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is shredded and cooked in a tangy and spicy carnitas sauce, then served in tortillas with your favorite toppings. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun and tasty appetizer for a party.
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Skillet Eggplant Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coarse Salt, Freshly
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this Skillet Eggplant Parmesan is a great choice. Sliced eggplant is cooked in a skillet with a delicious tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese and tender beer can chicken. Serve with a side of pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This New Mexico Red Chile is a spicy and flavorful sauce that is perfect for topping beer can chicken. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and served in warm tortillas with the red chile sauce and your favorite toppings. This dish is perfect for a taste of the Southwest in your own backyard.
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Skillet Salisbury Steak
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Bread Crumbs, Ketchup, Worcestershire
This Skillet Salisbury Steak is a hearty and delicious meal that is sure to please. The chicken is mixed with a blend of herbs and spices, then formed into patties and cooked in a skillet until golden and juicy. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite sides for a classic and comforting meal.
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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell
If you love stuffed peppers, you'll love this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. The chicken is cooked with rice, peppers, onions, and a flavorful blend of spices, then topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
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Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Unsalted Butter, Light Brown
No meal is complete without dessert, and this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is the perfect way to end your beer can chicken meal. Tender and gooey on the inside with a crispy and golden crust, this cookie is loaded with chocolate chips and best served with a scoop of ice cream. It's a sweet and indulgent treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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Barbecue Pork Skillet
Main Ingredients: New York Pork Chops, Vegetable Oil, Italian Salad
For a twist on traditional beer can chicken, try this Barbecue Pork Skillet. The chicken is marinated in a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce, then cooked on the grill and served on top of a bed of tender pulled pork. This dish is perfect for a summer cookout or a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Thai Red Curry Beef Skillet
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Ginger Root, Beef, Red Curry Paste
This Thai Red Curry Beef Skillet is a flavorful and unique way to use up any leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is mixed with a spicy and aromatic Thai red curry sauce, then cooked in a skillet with beef and vegetables. Serve over rice for a delicious and hearty meal with a kick.
Ingredients for Mexican Carnitas
What You'll Need:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let's gather all the ingredients we'll need to make this delicious Mexican carnitas recipe. You'll need:
Pork Shoulder: This is the most commonly used cut of meat for carnitas. It has the perfect amount of fat and marbling to give the dish its juicy and tender texture.
Spices: The key to any great dish is the right combination of spices. For this carnitas recipe, you'll need a mix of garlic powder,cumin,oregano,chili powder, and salt.
Orange Juice: The acid in the orange juice helps to tenderize the meat and adds a subtle citrus flavor to the dish.
Onion: A medium-sized onion, chopped, will add a delicious depth of flavor to the carnitas.
Cilantro: This herb is a staple in Mexican cuisine and adds a fresh and aromatic element to the dish.
Lard: Traditionally, carnitas are cooked in lard, which adds a rich and savory flavor. However, you can also use vegetable oil as a substitute.
Instructions for Cooking Mexican Carnitas
Step 1: Cut and Season the Pork
To start, cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch cubes, trimming off any excess fat. In a large bowl, mix together the spices - garlic powder, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt. Add the pork cubes to the bowl and toss until the meat is evenly coated with the spices.
Step 2: Cook the Pork in a Skillet
In a large skillet, heat the lard or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned pork cubes and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the chopped onion and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Braise the Meat with Orange Juice
Once the pork and onions are cooked, add in the orange juice and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the meat braise for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The pork should be tender and easily pull apart when done.
Step 4: Crisp the Carnitas
Once the meat is fully cooked and tender, remove the lid and let it cook uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow the carnitas to crisp up and develop that delicious golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Add Cilantro and Serve
Once the carnitas are done, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with your choice of accompaniments, such as tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges.
There you have it, a simple and delicious Mexican carnitas recipe cooked to perfection in a skillet. This mouthwatering dish is perfect for a family dinner or a fun fiesta with friends. Give it a try and let your taste buds be transported to the streets of Mexico with every bite!
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