For busy families looking for a delicious and easy dinner option, this Mexican shredded pork recipe is a game changer. Not only is it easy to make, but it can be prepared in a slow cooker, leaving you with minimal cleanup and more time to spend with your loved ones. The combination of tender, juicy pork and flavorful spices makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion. Plus, with the added convenience of using a slow cooker, you can have this dish ready to serve with little effort. Let's dive into the details of this mouth-watering recipe.
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Brown Sugar, Cumin, Oregano, Salt, Garlic
Pork carnitas are a classic and versatile Mexican dish that is perfect for any occasion. Traditionally made with slow-cooked pork that is tender and flavorful, this recipe is a must-try for all meat lovers. Whether you're having a family dinner or hosting a party, these carnitas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Salt, Black Pepper, Onion, Jalapeno
Similar to pulled pork, carnitas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender and juicy pork. The beauty of this dish is that it can be served in so many different ways, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings for Mexican food.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
One of the best ways to use leftover carnitas is to make quesadillas. Simply add some shredded cheese and chopped carnitas to a tortilla, fold it in half, and cook it in a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a delicious and easy meal.
This recipe for Mexican pork carnitas is a classic and authentic take on the dish. Tender and flavorful pork is seasoned with cumin, garlic, and oregano before being slow-cooked to perfection. Serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, and cilantro for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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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 street-style tacos, then this recipe is for you. These pork carnitas tacos are topped with a tangy and flavorful tomatillo salsa verde that complements the rich and savory pork perfectly. Add some pickled onions and crumbled queso fresco for an extra burst of flavor.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a staple of Mexican street food, and this recipe for carnitas street tacos is a must-try. Made with corn tortillas, tender and juicy pork, and topped with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, these tacos are simple yet bursting with flavor. Serve with your favorite salsa for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy carnitas, try making a burrito bowl. Layer rice, black beans, pork carnitas, and your favorite toppings in a bowl for a delicious and satisfying meal. Fresh avocado, sour cream, and tomatoes make great toppings for this dish.
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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 can be made in so many different ways. In this recipe, tender pork carnitas are rolled up in corn tortillas and smothered in a flavorful enchilada sauce. These enchiladas are a great way to use up leftover carnitas and make for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Carnitas Taco Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Lime, Garlic Clove, Salt, Bibb Lettuce, Red
For a lighter take on tacos, try making them into lettuce wraps. Simply add some pork carnitas to a butter lettuce leaf and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, tomatoes, and salsa. These lettuce wraps are perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
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Carnitas Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Dried Oregano, Ground Cumin
Poblano peppers are a mild and slightly sweet pepper that is perfect for stuffing. In this recipe, they are filled with pork carnitas and topped with enchilada sauce and cheese before being baked to perfection. These stuffed peppers are a great way to use up leftover carnitas and make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
If you're hosting a party or game night, consider making a taco board with pork carnitas as the star ingredient. Simply lay out soft and hard taco shells, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and, of course, pork carnitas for your guests to build their own tacos. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious dish.
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Carnitas Chilaquiles with Whipped Jalapeño Cream.
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Roast, Canola Oil, Pepper, Salt, Smoked
Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that is made with tortilla chips, salsa, and eggs. In this recipe, tender and flavorful pork carnitas are added to the mix, along with a whipped jalapeño cream that adds a tangy and spicy kick. This dish is perfect for a weekend brunch or as a hearty breakfast option.
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Ultimate Nachos with Beer-Braised Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Salt, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Onion Powder, Chili
Nachos are a classic party snack, and this recipe takes them to the next level. Instead of using ground beef, these nachos are topped with beer-braised pork carnitas, black beans, corn, and cheese. Serve with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños for a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Skinny Crispy Carnitas Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch
Main Ingredients: Mission Corn Tortillas, Cream, Carnitas, Avocado
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional carnitas tacos, try making them with a crispy baked shell instead. These tacos are filled with tender and flavorful pork carnitas and topped with a cilantro lime ranch for a tangy and creamy finish. Serve with a side of black beans and rice for a delicious and balanced meal.
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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 or paleo diet, this recipe is a must-try. Made with sweet potato chips, eggs, and, of course, pork carnitas, these chilaquiles are a delicious and satisfying breakfast option. Top with some avocado and pico de gallo for a burst of fresh flavor.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
This recipe for carnitas caldo is a warm and comforting soup that is perfect for those chilly nights. Tender pork, vegetables, and spices come together to create a rich and flavorful broth. Serve with some crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for a delicious and hearty meal.
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Mexican Cuban Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Ham Slices, Cheese, Pickled Jalapenos
A Mexican twist on a classic Cuban sandwich, this recipe is a must-try for all sandwich lovers. Tender pork carnitas are combined with ham, pickles, cheese, and a tangy chipotle mayo before being pressed between two slices of crusty bread. Serve with some plantain chips for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork & Creamy Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Onion, Garlic, Beef Broth, Water, Brown
This recipe for slow cooker pulled pork is a great way to use up leftover carnitas. Simply add the pork to a slow cooker with some barbecue sauce and let it cook until it's tender and falling apart. Serve on a brioche bun with some creamy coleslaw for a delicious and easy meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
If you're a fan of enchiladas, then you have to try this recipe for carnitas enchiladas. Made with corn tortillas, pork carnitas, and a flavorful enchilada sauce, these enchiladas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish. Serve with some refried beans and rice for a complete meal.
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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 delicious flavors of carnitas with this recipe for beef carnitas tacos. Made with beef chuck roast, spices, and beer, these tacos are full of flavor and easy to make. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa and guacamole for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The Key Ingredients
Pork Shoulder
The star of this recipe is the pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. It is a cut of meat that comes from the upper part of the pig's front leg and is known for its rich flavor and tenderness. When cooked in a slow cooker, the pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender, making it easy to shred and perfect for this dish. The fat content in this cut of meat also adds to the flavor and moisture of the final dish. Make sure to choose a pork shoulder with visible marbling for the best results.
Seasonings
The combination of spices used in this recipe is what gives the shredded pork its distinctive Mexican flavors. Cumin, chili powder, oregano, and garlic powder are the main players in this dish. They create a balance of smokiness and heat that will have your taste buds dancing. For an extra kick, you can add some cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the mix. The best part? You probably already have these spices in your pantry, making this recipe even more convenient.
Orange Juice
One of the key ingredients that sets this Mexican shredded pork recipe apart is the addition of freshly squeezed orange juice. The acidity of the juice helps tenderize the meat while also adding a touch of sweetness. Don't worry, the pork won't taste like oranges, but the juice will add a subtle depth of flavor to the dish. If you don't have fresh oranges on hand, you can use bottled orange juice, but make sure it is 100% pure juice for the best results.
The Slow Cooking Process
The beauty of using a slow cooker for this recipe is that it requires minimal effort. Simply place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. The low and slow cooking method allows the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb all the flavors from the seasonings. After 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high, the pork will be ready to shred with a fork. It will be practically falling apart, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on a bed of rice.
The Final Touches
Once the pork is shredded, there are a few final touches that will take this recipe to the next level. First, remove any excess fat from the meat. Then, return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices and seasonings. This step will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. For a slightly crispy texture, you can also broil the shredded pork in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Finally, top it off with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
In conclusion, this Mexican shredded pork recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and convenient meal. It is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and see for yourself why this recipe is a favorite among busy families.
