16 Old Town Mexican Cafe Carnitas Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: May 11, 2024
Old Town Mexican Cafe in San Diego is known for its authentic and delicious carnitas. This pork dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. But what if you can't make it to San Diego? Luckily, the owners of Old Town Mexican Cafe have shared their carnitas recipe so you can recreate this mouth-watering dish at home. Follow these simple steps and enjoy the taste of Old Town Mexican Cafe in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Carnitas, Salsa Verde, Pickled Red
First up, we have a classic Mexican dish with a twist – carnitas tacos. These tacos are filled with tender and flavorful pulled pork, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. The secret to achieving the perfect carnitas is to cook the pork low and slow, allowing it to become meltingly tender. Serve these tacos with your favorite salsa and some warm tortillas for a delicious and easy dinner.
For a more traditional take on carnitas, try this Mexican pork carnitas recipe. The pork is braised in a flavorful broth until it falls apart, then finished off in the oven to get that crispy and caramelized exterior. The result is tender and succulent meat that is perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or topping off a bowl of rice and beans.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are all the rage, and for a good reason – they are bursting with flavor and easy to eat on the go. These carnitas street tacos are no exception. The combination of tender pork, tangy pickled onions, and fresh cilantro is irresistible. You can also add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, salsa, or queso fresco, to make them your own.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
If you are short on time, this slow cooker carnitas quesadilla recipe is perfect for you. Simply toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. When you are ready to eat, assemble the quesadillas with the tender and flavorful carnitas, gooey cheese, and your favorite veggies. Serve with salsa and sour cream for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
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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 is perfect for feeding a crowd. This carnitas enchilada recipe takes it up a notch by using tender pulled pork as the filling. The pork is combined with a flavorful sauce and wrapped in corn tortillas before being baked to perfection. These enchiladas are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
Looking for a fun and interactive way to serve tacos? Try this easy pork carnitas taco board! The board is filled with all the fixings for delicious tacos, including the tender pulled pork, tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and more. Let your guests assemble their own tacos and customize them to their liking. It's a great way to bring people together over a delicious meal.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
This recipe takes tacos to the next level with the addition of tangy and bright tomatillo salsa verde. The salsa is made with fresh tomatillos, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice, giving it a refreshing and zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful pork carnitas. These tacos are perfect for a summer cookout or a weeknight dinner.
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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa
For all our Whole30 followers out there, we didn't forget about you! These Whole30 chilaquiles with carnitas and sweet potatoes are a must-try. This dish is full of flavor and texture, with crispy tortillas, tender pork, and sweet potatoes. Top it off with some avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a delicious and healthy meal.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
On a chilly day, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm and comforting bowl of soup. This carnitas caldo, also known as carnitas soup, is just what you need to warm you up from the inside out. The broth is made with tender and flavorful pork, vegetables, and spices, making it the ultimate comfort food. Serve with some warm tortillas for dipping and enjoy!
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
If you are trying to eat healthier but still want to satisfy your cravings for a burrito, this pork carnitas burrito bowl is the perfect compromise. It has all the deliciousness of a burrito without the added carbs from the tortilla. Plus, the pork carnitas add a ton of flavor and protein to the bowl. Top it off with your favorite veggies, salsa, and guacamole for a delicious and nutritious meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner? These carnitas enchiladas are the answer. The pork is cooked low and slow until it is falling apart, then wrapped in tortillas and topped with a rich and flavorful sauce. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and dinner is served. Serve 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
Bowls are a great way to get all your favorite flavors and ingredients in one dish. These carnitas bowls are no exception. They are filled with tender pork, beans, rice, and all the toppings you desire. Plus, they are customizable, so everyone can have their own personalized bowl. It's a delicious and easy way to feed a crowd.
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Beef Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomato, Chopped Onion, Avocado, Fresh Cilantro
If you are not a fan of pork, don't worry; we've got you covered with these beef carnitas tacos. These tacos are made with tender and juicy beef that is flavored with a homemade spice rub and slow-cooked until it falls apart. Top it off with your favorite toppings, and you have a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will love.
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Loaded Carnitas Tacos With Avocado Tomatillo Salsa
Main Ingredients: Tomatillos, Jalapeno, Garlic, Avocado, Cilantro, Salt
If you love loaded tacos, this recipe is for you. These loaded carnitas tacos are filled with all the good stuff, including tender pork, beans, cheese, and a tangy and creamy avocado tomatillo salsa. The salsa adds a refreshing and zesty element to the tacos that takes them to the next level. Trust us; you won't be able to stop at just one.
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Carnitas Migas
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Lard, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Bay Leaf
Migas are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that is typically made with scrambled eggs, tortillas, and other ingredients such as cheese, beans, and salsa. This recipe puts a spin on the classic by adding tender and flavorful carnitas to the mix. The result is a hearty and delicious breakfast that will keep you full and satisfied until lunchtime.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Another take on carnitas enchiladas, this recipe uses pulled pork instead of shredded pork. The pulled pork is cooked low and slow in a flavorful sauce, then wrapped in tortillas and baked until golden and crispy. Serve with some rice and beans for a filling and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
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Carnitas Taco Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Lime, Garlic Clove, Salt, Bibb Lettuce, Red
For a low-carb and healthier option, try these carnitas taco lettuce wraps. The pork is cooked in a flavorful broth until it is falling apart, then wrapped in crispy lettuce cups and topped with your favorite toppings. It's a light and refreshing way to enjoy your favorite taco flavors without the added guilt.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
If you are looking for the ultimate game day snack, look no further than these loaded carnitas nachos. These nachos are piled high with crispy tortilla chips, tender pork, beans, cheese, and all your favorite toppings. They are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful. Serve with some cold beers, and you have a winning combination.
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Carnitas Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Diced Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
Another delicious soup recipe, this carnitas tortilla soup is packed with flavor and texture. The tender and juicy pork is combined with a flavorful broth, beans, vegetables, and spices, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Top it off with some crispy tortilla strips, cheese, and avocado for a delicious and filling bowl of soup.
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Shredded Pork Carnitas Quesadilla
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pork Shoulder, Salt, Chipotle Peppers
Last but not least, we have another quesadilla recipe that is sure to please. These shredded pork carnitas quesadillas are loaded with tender and flavorful pork, gooey cheese, and your favorite veggies. Serve with some salsa and sour cream for dipping, and you have the perfect snack or meal.
The Secret Ingredient
One of the key elements to making perfect carnitas is the use of lard. This may seem unconventional, but it is what gives the meat its crispy, flavorful exterior. You can find lard in most grocery stores, or you can render your own by cooking down pork fat. Don't worry, you won't be consuming a huge amount of lard as most of it will be drained off after cooking.
The Perfect Cut of Meat
The type of meat used for carnitas is also crucial to achieving the desired texture and taste. The recipe calls for pork shoulder, which has the perfect amount of fat to keep the meat juicy and tender. Make sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking to avoid a greasy end result.
The Cooking Process
To get the traditional carnitas flavor, the pork is first simmered in a mixture of orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and spices. This not only infuses the meat with delicious flavors, but it also helps to tenderize the meat. After simmering, the pork is then transferred to a roasting pan and baked in the oven until it is crispy and golden brown.
Dress it Up
Once your carnitas are cooked to perfection, it's time to assemble your dish. Serve the meat with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and any other toppings you desire. The carnitas can also be used in other dishes such as tacos, burritos, or nachos. The possibilities are endless!
By following this Old Town Mexican Cafe carnitas recipe, you can now enjoy this delicious dish at home. Impress your friends and family with your cooking skills and savor the taste of San Diego without leaving your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and get cooking!
