17 Mexico City Carnitas Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: May 9, 2024
If you're a fan of Mexican food, you've most likely heard of mexico city carnitas. This traditional dish is a staple in Mexico City and is known for its succulent and flavorful meat. Despite its simple ingredients, making authentic mexico city carnitas takes time and precision. However, the end result is well worth the effort. In this article, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make mexico city carnitas just like they do in Mexico City.
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Carnitas, Salsa Verde, Pickled Red
Carnitas tacos are a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. These tacos are made with tender and juicy pulled pork, seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs for the perfect combination of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a unique weeknight dinner or a fun party dish, these carnitas tacos are sure to be a hit.
Carnitas are a popular Mexican dish that originated in the state of Michoacán. Traditionally, carnitas are made by simmering pork in lard until it is tender and then frying it until it is crispy. However, this recipe offers a healthier twist by using a slow cooker to achieve the same tender and crispy results without all the extra fat.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a staple in Mexican street food culture, and carnitas street tacos are no exception. These tacos are typically smaller in size and packed with traditional toppings such as cilantro, onion, and salsa. The tender and flavorful carnitas make for the perfect filling in these street-style tacos.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
Quesadillas are a quick and easy dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. These slow cooker carnitas quesadillas take the traditional cheese and tortilla combo to the next level with the addition of flavorful pulled pork. These quesadillas are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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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 involves wrapping tortillas around a filling and covering them in a sauce. These carnitas enchiladas take this traditional dish to the next level with the addition of tender and flavorful pulled pork. These enchiladas are perfect for a family dinner or a potluck with friends.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
Taco boards are a fun and creative way to serve up a variety of taco fillings and toppings for a group. This easy pork carnitas taco board is no exception. With a variety of toppings and condiments, everyone can build their own perfect taco, making it a fun and interactive meal for everyone.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
A tomatillo salsa verde adds a tangy and zesty element to these pork carnitas tacos. The salsa verde is made with tomatillos, jalapenos, and cilantro, giving it a fresh and vibrant flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender pulled pork. These tacos are perfect for a summertime cookout or a casual gathering with friends.
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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa
Chilaquiles are a popular Mexican breakfast dish that involves tortilla chips being cooked in a sauce and topped with various ingredients. This Whole30 version uses sweet potatoes and pulled pork carnitas for a healthier twist on this classic dish. It’s the perfect way to start your day with a hearty and flavorful breakfast.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
Carnitas caldo, also known as carnitas soup, is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for colder weather. This soup is made with tender and flavorful pulled pork, vegetables, and spices, making it a satisfying and delicious meal. Serve it with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete and cozy meal.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
Burrito bowls are a popular and customizable dish that is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. This pork carnitas burrito bowl is made with a base of rice and beans, topped with tender pulled pork, and a variety of toppings such as avocado, salsa, and cheese. It’s a flavorful and easy way to enjoy all the delicious elements of a burrito in a bowl.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
If you’re a fan of enchiladas but looking for a new and exciting twist, these carnitas enchiladas are just the thing. Made with tender pulled pork and a homemade enchilada sauce, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve them with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Bowls
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Rice, Pico De Gallo, Black Beans, Whole
Carnitas bowls offer all the delicious elements of a burrito or taco in a bowl. This recipe includes a base of rice and black beans, topped with tender pulled pork, and a variety of toppings such as avocado, salsa, and cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends.
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Beef Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomato, Chopped Onion, Avocado, Fresh Cilantro
For a twist on traditional pork carnitas, try using beef instead. These beef carnitas tacos are made with slow-cooked beef, seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, and then shredded for a tender and flavorful filling. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Loaded Carnitas Tacos With Avocado Tomatillo Salsa
Main Ingredients: Tomatillos, Jalapeno, Garlic, Avocado, Cilantro, Salt
Loaded with a variety of toppings and a tangy avocado tomatillo salsa, these carnitas tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The tender and flavorful pulled pork pairs perfectly with the fresh and zesty salsa for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve them at your next taco night or as a fun and flavorful party dish.
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Carnitas Migas
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Lard, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Bay Leaf
Migas is a popular Mexican breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs and crispy tortilla strips. This version adds a twist by incorporating tender pulled pork into the mix. It’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast that is perfect for a lazy weekend morning or as a breakfast-for-dinner option.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
These carnitas enchiladas are made with tender and flavorful pulled pork and a tangy homemade enchilada sauce. The combination of flavors makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck with friends. Serve them with a side of rice and beans for a complete and filling meal.
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Carnitas Taco Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Lime, Garlic Clove, Salt, Bibb Lettuce, Red
For a lighter and healthier twist on traditional tacos, try these carnitas taco lettuce wraps. The tender and flavorful pulled pork is wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and topped with your favorite taco toppings for a delicious and guilt-free meal. It’s the perfect option for those looking for a low-carb or gluten-free alternative.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
Nachos are always a crowd-pleaser, and these loaded carnitas nachos are no exception. Piled high with tender pulled pork, cheese, salsa, and all your favorite toppings, these nachos are perfect for game day or a fun and casual dinner. Customize them with your favorite toppings or add a few extra for a flavorful and hearty meal.
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Carnitas Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Diced Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
Tortilla soup is a classic Mexican dish that is packed with flavor. This version uses tender pulled pork as the protein, adding a delicious twist to this traditional soup. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese, this soup is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
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Shredded Pork Carnitas Quesadilla
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pork Shoulder, Salt, Chipotle Peppers
Quesadillas are a quick and easy dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. These shredded pork carnitas quesadillas use tender and flavorful pulled pork as the main filling, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve them with your favorite toppings or dip them in salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
Preparing the Meat
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
The key to making delicious mexico city carnitas is starting with the right cut of meat. Traditionally, pork shoulder or butt is used for this dish. These cuts have a good balance of fat and meat, which is essential for creating tender and juicy carnitas. Pork belly can also be used for a richer and fattier version. Whichever cut you choose, make sure it has a good amount of marbling and is preferably bone-in.
Seasoning the Meat
Once you have your meat, it's time to season it. The traditional mexico city carnitas recipe calls for a simple yet flavorful blend of garlic, cumin, oregano, and orange juice. The acidity of the orange juice helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy twist to the dish. Rub the seasoning all over the meat and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Cooking the Carnitas
The Slow Cooking Method
To achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture, mexico city carnitas are traditionally cooked low and slow. This can be done in the oven, in a slow cooker, or on the stovetop. Whichever method you choose, make sure to cook the meat until it's fork-tender and easily falls apart.
Crisping Up the Meat
After the meat is cooked, it's time to crisp it up. This step is what sets mexico city carnitas apart from other slow-cooked pork dishes. The traditional way to do this is by frying the meat in its own rendered fat until it's golden and crispy. However, you can also achieve a similar result by broiling the meat in the oven for a few minutes.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your mexico city carnitas are cooked and crispy, it's time to serve them up. Traditionally, they are served on warm corn tortillas with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. However, you can also enjoy them in burritos, quesadillas, or on top of a salad. No matter how you choose to serve them, one thing is for sure – mexico city carnitas are a delicious and versatile dish that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Mexico City. So next time you're craving Mexican food, skip the takeout and make your own mexico city carnitas at home. Your taste buds will thank you.
