18 Mexican Style Pork Carnitas Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
Pork carnitas is a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, and many other dishes. This traditional dish is typically made by simmering pork in herbs and spices until it is fall-off-the-bone tender. While there are many variations of this dish, a classic Mexican-style pork carnitas recipe is a must-try for any food lover.
Main Ingredients: Pork Lard, Pork Shoulder, Onion, Whole Milk, Water
If you're a fan of tender and flavorful Mexican pulled pork, then you'll love this classic recipe for carnitas. Slow cooked to perfection, the meat is infused with a delicious blend of spices and seasonings, making it the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or even on its own with a side of rice and beans.
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Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Butt, Brown Onion, Bay Leaves, Dried
For a twist on traditional carnitas, try using pork instead of the usual beef. The result is a juicy and succulent pulled pork that is just as tasty as its beef counterpart. Serve it up with your favorite Mexican fixings and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Carnitas – Mexican Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Kosher Salt, Garlic Salt, Ground Cumin
Short on time? No problem! This recipe for instant pot carnitas will have your Mexican pulled pork ready to eat in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooker locks in the flavors and produces tender and juicy meat that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Take your enchilada game to the next level with these mouthwatering carnitas enchiladas. Rolled up with tender and flavorful pulled pork, smothered in a rich and spicy sauce, and topped with gooey cheese, these enchiladas are a true crowd-pleaser.
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Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos (Carnitas)
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Sauce, Tortillas, Avocado Slices, Tomato
Is there anything more satisfying than a delicious taco? These Mexican pulled pork tacos, also known as carnitas, are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at your next taco night. Top them with your favorite fixings and enjoy a fiesta in your mouth.
This simple and straightforward recipe for Mexican pork carnitas is a must-try for any pulled pork lover. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have tender and flavorful carnitas that are perfect for any occasion.
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Pulled pork enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Cooked Rice, Chopped Green
Looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea? These pulled pork enchiladas are the answer. The tender and juicy pulled pork is the star of the show, while the enchilada sauce and cheese add a burst of flavor to every bite.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
For a fresh and vibrant twist on traditional carnitas tacos, try topping them with a homemade tomatillo salsa verde. The tangy and spicy flavors of the salsa complement the rich and savory pork, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
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Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Medium White Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil
If you love pulled pork and enchiladas, then you're in for a treat with this recipe. These pulled pork enchiladas are filled with tender and flavorful meat, smothered in a zesty sauce, and topped with melted cheese. They're sure to become a family favorite.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
For a taste of authentic Mexican street food, look no further than these carnitas street tacos. The perfectly seasoned and juicy pulled pork is served on warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. Simple yet delicious.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
Nachos just got a whole lot tastier with this recipe for loaded carnitas nachos. The crispy tortilla chips are topped with tender pulled pork, beans, cheese, and all your favorite toppings for a mouthwatering snack or appetizer.
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Red Pulled Pork Enchiladas with Jalapeño Corn and...
Main Ingredients: Large Flour Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Creamed Corn
For a unique and flavorful twist on traditional pulled pork enchiladas, try this recipe that incorporates jalapeño corn and black beans. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that will have your taste buds dancing.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
For a no-fuss dinner idea, try these slow cooker carnitas quesadillas. The tender and juicy pulled pork is sandwiched between layers of gooey cheese and crispy tortillas, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
This recipe for carnitas enchiladas uses pork instead of beef for a unique and tasty twist. The pork is slow cooked to perfection and then rolled up in corn tortillas and smothered in a zesty enchilada sauce. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
For a fun and interactive dinner idea, try making a taco board filled with delicious pork carnitas and all your favorite toppings. Let everyone build their own tacos and enjoy a tasty and customizable meal.
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Keto Pulled Pork Tacos
Main Ingredients: Cheddar, Mozzerella, Pork Tenderloin, Pork Carnitas
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of pulled pork tacos. This recipe uses low-carb tortillas and a homemade spice blend to create a keto-friendly version of this classic dish.
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Posole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)
Main Ingredients: Guajillo, Salt, White Hominy, Pork Shoulder, Garlic
For a hearty and comforting meal, try this traditional Mexican posole rojo. The pork is slow cooked with spices and hominy, creating a flavorful and satisfying stew that is perfect for a chilly day.
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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 twist on chilaquiles, try this Whole30 approved recipe that uses carnitas and sweet potatoes. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
If you're looking for a new way to enjoy carnitas, try making this delicious and comforting carnitas caldo. The tender and flavorful pork is combined with vegetables and hominy for a hearty and satisfying soup that is perfect for a cold day.
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Sopes
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried
Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that features a fried corn masa base topped with various fillings, including pulled pork. These sopes are filled with juicy and flavorful carnitas and topped with fresh toppings for a delicious and unique meal.
The Perfect Cut of Pork for Carnitas
Choosing the right cut of pork is crucial for making delicious carnitas. Pork shoulder is the most commonly used cut for this dish, as it has the perfect balance of fat and meat. The fat helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor, while the meat becomes tender and succulent during the cooking process.
Some recipes may call for pork butt or pork belly, but these cuts may have more fat and less meat, resulting in a greasier and less flavorful dish. Stick with pork shoulder for the best results.
The Importance of Slow Cooking
The key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in pork carnitas is slow cooking. Low and slow is the way to go when it comes to this dish. This allows the meat to tenderize and absorb all the flavors from the herbs and spices.
Traditionally, pork carnitas is cooked in a large pot or Dutch oven over low heat for several hours. However, you can also use a slow cooker or instant pot for convenience. Just make sure to give the meat enough time to cook and develop its delicious flavors.
Herbs and Spices for Authentic Mexican Flavors
The combination of herbs and spices used in a Mexican-style pork carnitas recipe is what gives it its distinct and delicious flavor. Garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder are commonly used in this dish, along with orange juice and lime juice for a citrusy tang.
Some recipes may also call for bay leaves, cinnamon, and cloves for additional depth of flavor. Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
Making the Perfect Pork Carnitas
Once you have chosen the right cut of pork and gathered all the necessary ingredients, making authentic Mexican-style pork carnitas is a breeze. Simply season the meat with your desired herbs and spices, sear it on all sides, and then let it slow cook until it is tender and falling apart.
Don't be afraid to add a bit of broth or water during the cooking process if the meat starts to dry out. This will help keep it moist and flavorful.
Once the pork is fully cooked, shred it with a fork and serve it in tacos, burritos, or as a filling for sandwiches or quesadillas. Top it with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado slices for a burst of flavor and texture.
Now that you know the secrets to making the perfect Mexican-style pork carnitas, it's time to get cooking and impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic dish. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the mouth-watering flavors of this classic Mexican meal.
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