Pork butt, also known as pork shoulder, is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. This tender and juicy meat can be cooked in a variety of ways, from slow roasting to braising. One popular and delicious way to prepare pork butt is through a traditional Mexican recipe that infuses the meat with a rich blend of spices and flavors. In this article, we will delve into the details of this mouth-watering Mexican pork butt recipe and guide you on how to recreate it in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Pork Lard, Pork Shoulder, Onion, Whole Milk, Water
Carnitas, or Mexican pulled pork, is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal to feed a crowd or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, these top 20 beer can chicken recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So grab a cold beer and get ready to explore the world of carnitas!
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Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Butt, Brown Onion, Bay Leaves, Dried
One of the most classic ways to enjoy carnitas is in a taco. These pork carnitas tacos are loaded with flavor and topped with your favorite taco fixings, like fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice. For an extra kick, try adding some spicy salsa or sliced jalapeños to your tacos. You won't be able to resist going back for seconds!
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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, try making this recipe for Instant Pot carnitas. Using a pressure cooker cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing any flavor. The result is tender and juicy pulled pork that falls apart with just a touch of a fork. Serve it in tacos, burritos, or on top of a salad for a low-carb option.
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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 turning them into enchiladas. These pulled pork enchiladas are smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce and topped with melted cheese. They make for a satisfying and comforting meal that the whole family will love. Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick and easy dinner on busy nights.
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Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos (Carnitas)
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Sauce, Tortillas, Avocado Slices, Tomato
For a twist on traditional tacos, try these Mexican pulled pork tacos. The addition of seasoned black beans and creamy avocado takes these tacos to the next level. Top with some fresh pico de gallo and a drizzle of sour cream for a burst of flavor in every bite.
This recipe for Mexican pork carnitas is a true crowd-pleaser. The pork is slow-cooked in a mixture of beer, spices, and citrus, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even on top of a loaded nacho platter.
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Pulled pork enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Cooked Rice, Chopped Green
Another take on the classic enchiladas, this recipe uses pulled pork as the filling. The pork is mixed with corn, black beans, and green chilies for a hearty and satisfying dish. These pulled pork enchiladas are a great option for a vegetarian crowd, or for anyone looking for a meatless meal option that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
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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 verde adds a refreshing and zesty element to the tacos, while the pork provides a meaty and satisfying filling. Top with some crumbled queso fresco for an extra burst of flavor.
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Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Medium White Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil
This recipe for pulled pork enchiladas is a great way to use up any leftover carnitas. The pork is mixed with corn, black beans, and cheese, then rolled up in flour tortillas and smothered in enchilada sauce. It's a perfect meal for a busy weeknight, as it can be assembled in advance and popped in the oven when you're ready to eat.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a popular and delicious way to enjoy carnitas. These mini tacos are packed with flavorful pork, diced onions, and cilantro, and are the perfect size for snacking or as part of a larger meal. They're also great for a party or gathering, as they're easy to make and can be customized with different toppings to suit everyone's tastes.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
For a game day or movie night snack that will have everyone coming back for more, try these loaded carnitas nachos. The crispy tortilla chips are topped with shredded carnitas, cheese, black beans, and jalapeños before being baked to perfection. Serve with some salsa and guacamole for dipping, and you've got a winning snack.
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Red Pulled Pork Enchiladas with Jalapeño Corn and...
Main Ingredients: Large Flour Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Creamed Corn
For a spicy and colorful twist on traditional enchiladas, try this recipe for red pulled pork enchiladas. The pork is mixed with julienne bell peppers and sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick, and the addition of corn and black beans adds a sweet and savory element to the dish.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
These slow cooker carnitas quesadillas are a great option for a busy or lazy day. Simply throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to tender and flavorful carnitas in the evening. Use the meat to make quesadillas for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
This recipe for carnitas enchiladas is a great alternative to traditional beef or chicken enchiladas. The pork adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, and the addition of homemade enchilada sauce takes it to the next level. Serve with some refried beans and Spanish rice for a complete meal.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
For a fun and interactive way to enjoy carnitas, try making a taco board. This recipe for easy pork carnitas taco board includes everything you need to make your own tacos, including tortillas, toppings, and sides. It's a great option for a party or gathering, as everyone can customize their own tacos to their liking.
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Keto Pulled Pork Tacos
Main Ingredients: Cheddar, Mozzerella, Pork Tenderloin, Pork Carnitas
If you're following a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of carnitas with these keto pulled pork tacos. The pork is served in lettuce cups instead of tortillas, and is topped with avocado, cheese, and salsa. It's a satisfying and healthy option for taco night.
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Posole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)
Main Ingredients: Guajillo, Salt, White Hominy, Pork Shoulder, Garlic
Posole rojo, or Mexican pork and hominy stew, is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold or rainy days. The pork is slow-cooked in a rich and spicy broth, and the addition of hominy adds a unique and satisfying texture. Serve with your favorite toppings, like cilantro, lime, and diced avocado.
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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa
For a healthy and flavorful breakfast option, try these Whole30 chilaquiles with carnitas and sweet potatoes. The crunchy tortilla chips are topped with spicy carnitas, sweet potatoes, and eggs, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. This dish is also great for brunch or as a breakfast for dinner option.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
This recipe for carnitas caldo, or carnitas soup, is a great way to use up any leftover carnitas. The tender pork is combined with vegetables, rice, and beans in a flavorful broth to create a hearty and filling soup. Serve with some tortilla chips for dipping, and you've got a complete and satisfying meal.
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Sopes
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried
Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that consists of a thick corn tortilla topped with meat, beans, cheese, and salsa. They make for a delicious and unique way to enjoy carnitas, and are perfect for a party or gathering. Serve them as an appetizer or make a few more for a satisfying main course.
Exploring the Ingredients
Spices and Herbs
The key to a flavorful and authentic Mexican pork butt recipe lies in the spices and herbs used. The most common spices used in this recipe include cumin, coriander, oregano, and chili powder. These spices not only add depth of flavor, but they also give the meat a beautiful rich color. You can also add in some fresh herbs such as cilantro and thyme to enhance the aroma and freshness of the dish.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges and limes are often used in Mexican cuisine to add a tangy and zesty flavor to meats. In this pork butt recipe, the juice and zest of these fruits are used to marinate the meat, making it juicy and tender. The acidity of the citrus also helps to break down the tough fibers in the pork, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Other Key Ingredients
Apart from spices and herbs, there are a few other important ingredients that contribute to the overall flavor of the Mexican pork butt. These include onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Onions and garlic add a savory and slightly sweet note, while tomatoes add a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance out the flavors.
Preparing the Meat
To achieve the best results, it is important to properly prepare the pork butt before cooking. Start by trimming off any excess fat from the meat and then score the fat in a criss-cross pattern. This will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor. Next, rub the meat generously with a blend of the spices and herbs mentioned above. Make sure to massage the spices into the scored fat for maximum flavor.
The Cooking Process
The traditional way to cook Mexican pork butt is by slow roasting it in the oven. However, you can also use a slow cooker or a pressure cooker for convenience. Whichever method you choose, make sure to cook the meat at a low and slow temperature to achieve a tender and juicy result. The pork butt should be cooked until it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
Beyond Tacos and Burritos
While tacos and burritos are popular choices for serving Mexican pork butt, this versatile meat can be used in a variety of other dishes. Shred the meat and use it in enchiladas, quesadillas, or even as a topping for nachos. You can also slice the meat and serve it alongside rice, beans, and other traditional Mexican sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, this Mexican pork butt recipe is a must-try for any meat lover. With its rich blend of spices and herbs, tangy citrus flavors, and tender texture, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. So next time you're looking to spice up your dinner menu, give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
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