15 Mexican Style Carnitas Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish, is a favorite among food lovers for its tender and flavorful meat. This slow-cooked pork dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine, and it has gained popularity all over the world. While there are various ways to make carnitas, the traditional Mexican style carnitas recipe remains the most authentic and delicious. In this article, we will explore the steps to make this mouth-watering dish and how you can easily recreate it at home.
Main Ingredients: Pork Lard, Pork Shoulder, Onion, Whole Milk, Water
Why not switch things up and use a beer can to cook your pork instead of chicken? This Carnitas recipe is a flavorful twist on the classic pulled pork dish. Slow-cooked in a savory blend of spices and topped with a zesty salsa, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Butt, Brown Onion, Bay Leaves, Dried
If you're looking for a fiesta in your mouth, then this Pork Carnitas recipe is for you. The beer can adds a crispiness to the pork, while the smoky flavor from the grill takes it to the next level. Serve it up with some tortillas, avocado, and your favorite toppings for a delicious fiesta in every bite.
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Instant Pot Carnitas – Mexican Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Kosher Salt, Garlic Salt, Ground Cumin
Don't have a grill? No problem! This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe will give you the same tender, juicy pulled pork without having to fire up the grill. The beer can adds moisture and flavor, making this dish a go-to for busy weeknights.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Take your classic enchilada recipe to the next level with the addition of beer can pulled pork. This Carnitas Enchiladas recipe is packed with flavor and will have your family begging for more. Top it off with some creamy avocado and fresh cilantro for a delicious meal.
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Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos (Carnitas)
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Sauce, Tortillas, Avocado Slices, Tomato
What's better than tacos? Beer can pulled pork tacos, of course! This Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos recipe is simple and delicious. The beer can adds moisture and flavor to the pork, making it the perfect filling for your crunchy taco shells.
If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful dish, then this Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe is for you. The beer can adds moisture and flavor to the pork, making it juicy and tender. Serve it up with some spicy salsa and cool sour cream for a perfect balance of flavors.
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Pulled pork enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Cooked Rice, Chopped Green
Add a little twist to your classic enchilada recipe with this Pulled Pork Enchiladas dish. The beer can adds flavor and moisture to the pork, making it tender and juicy. Top it off with some savory enchilada sauce and creamy queso for a mouthwatering meal.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
Take your pork tacos to the next level with this Pork Carnitas Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa Verde recipe. The beer can adds flavor and moisture to the pork, while the tangy tomatillo salsa adds a refreshing twist. Serve it up with some spicy salsa and creamy guacamole for a flavorful meal.
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Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Medium White Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil
Upgrade your enchilada game with this Pulled Pork Enchiladas recipe. The beer can adds moisture and flavor to the pork, making it tender and savory. Top it off with some creamy avocado and zesty lime for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Take a trip to Mexico with these Carnitas Street Tacos. The beer can adds moisture and flavor to the pork, while the crispy tortillas add a crunch in every bite. Serve them up with some fresh pico de gallo and spicy salsa for a fiesta in your mouth.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
Why settle for plain old nachos when you can have these Loaded Carnitas Nachos? The beer can adds flavor and moisture to the pork, while the crunchy tortilla chips and creamy queso take it to the next level. Top it off with some spicy jalapenos and tangy salsa for a perfect balance of flavors.
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Red Pulled Pork Enchiladas with Jalapeño Corn and...
Main Ingredients: Large Flour Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Creamed Corn
Spice up your enchiladas with this Red Pulled Pork Enchiladas recipe. The beer can adds moisture and flavor to the pork, while the zesty jalapeno corn adds a kick of flavor. Serve it up with some creamy avocado and fresh cilantro for a flavorful meal.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
Craving a cheesy and savory meal? Look no further than these Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas. The beer can adds flavor and moisture to the pork, while the crunchy tortillas and ooey-gooey cheese make it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Upgrade your enchiladas with this Carnitas Enchiladas recipe. The beer can adds flavor and moisture to the pork, while the spicy enchilada sauce adds a kick of flavor. Serve it up with some creamy sour cream and fresh cilantro for a mouthwatering meal.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
Impress your guests with this Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board. The beer can adds flavor and moisture to the pork, while the crunchy taco shells and fresh toppings add a variety of textures and flavors. This dish is perfect for a fun and interactive meal with friends and family.
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Keto Pulled Pork Tacos
Main Ingredients: Cheddar, Mozzerella, Pork Tenderloin, Pork Carnitas
Following a keto diet? No problem! These Keto Pulled Pork Tacos are packed with flavor and low in carbs. The beer can adds moisture to the pork, making it tender and juicy. Serve them up with some crunchy lettuce wraps and creamy avocado for a satisfying meal.
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Posole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)
Main Ingredients: Guajillo, Salt, White Hominy, Pork Shoulder, Garlic
This Posole Rojo recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. The beer can adds flavor and moisture to the pork, while the spicy hominy adds a kick of flavor. Serve it up with some crunchy tortilla chips and fresh cilantro for a warm and savory meal.
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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa
Looking for a healthy and flavorful meal? These Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes are the answer. The beer can adds flavor and moisture to the pork, while the spicy salsa and sweet potatoes make it a satisfying meal. Serve it up with some fresh avocado for a perfect balance of flavors.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
Warm up with this Carnitas Caldo, a savory and satisfying soup that is perfect for any day of the week. The beer can adds flavor and moisture to the pork, while the crunchy tortilla strips and fresh toppings add a variety of textures and flavors. Serve it up with some spicy salsa for a warm and flavorful meal.
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Sopes
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried
Looking for a unique and flavorful meal? These Sopes are a great way to switch up your taco game. The beer can adds moisture and flavor to the pork, while the crispy sopes and fresh toppings add a variety of textures and flavors. Serve them up as an appetizer or a main dish for a fun and flavorful meal.
The Perfect Cut of Meat for Carnitas
Choosing the right cut of meat is crucial for making authentic Mexican style carnitas.
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, it is recommended to use pork shoulder or pork butt for this recipe. These cuts of meat are marbled with fat, which helps in keeping the meat moist and tender during the slow cooking process. It is also important to keep the skin on as it adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
The Marinade: Key to Flavorful Carnitas
The marinade is a crucial step in making delicious Mexican style carnitas.
It not only adds flavor but also helps in tenderizing the meat. The main ingredients for the marinade include oranges, limes, garlic, and spices such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder. The combination of citrus and spices gives the pork a tangy and savory flavor that is unique to carnitas.
The Slow Cooking Process
The secret to tender and juicy carnitas lies in the slow cooking process.
Traditionally, the meat is cooked in a large pot over low heat for several hours until it is tender and falls apart easily. This process allows the flavors from the marinade to infuse into the meat, giving it a rich and succulent taste. For a more convenient option, you can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to achieve the same result.
The Final Touch: Crispy Bits
The crispy bits, also known as carnitas "consome," are what make this dish truly irresistible.
After the meat is cooked and shredded, it is fried in its own fat until it turns golden and crispy. This step adds a crunchy and caramelized texture to the dish, balancing out the tenderness of the meat. It is important to not skip this step as it is what sets Mexican style carnitas apart from other versions.
Now that you know the key elements of a Mexican style carnitas recipe, you can easily make this delicious dish at home. With its tender and flavorful meat, it is perfect for tacos, burritos, or even as a standalone main course. So why not gather your ingredients and give this authentic recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
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