17 Original Mexican Carnitas Recipe Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: May 11, 2024
The original Mexican carnitas recipe is a beloved dish that has been passed down through generations. This slow-cooked pork dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its tender and flavorful meat. Carnitas, which translates to "little meats," originated in the state of Michoacán and has become a popular street food in Mexico and around the world. Here, we will dive deeper into the history of this traditional dish and share an authentic recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Hot Water, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Avocado
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on traditional carnitas, try filling your arepas with tender pork and tangy guasacaca sauce. These Venezuelan-style corn cakes are the perfect vessel for juicy carnitas and creamy avocado sauce. Simply top with some fresh cilantro and enjoy a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.
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5-Ingredient Crispy Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Light Beer, Minced Garlic, Lime Juice
For a quick and easy carnitas recipe, look no further than this 5-ingredient crispy version. Pork shoulder is slow-cooked in a blend of spices and orange juice until tender and then broiled in the oven for a crispy finish. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and pickled red onions for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
No list of carnitas recipes would be complete without a classic Mexican version. This recipe calls for pork butt to be slow-cooked in a blend of spices and orange juice until tender and then shredded and crisped up in a skillet. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onion, and salsa verde for a traditional and delicious meal.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
For a taste of authentic street food, try these carnitas street tacos. Small corn tortillas are filled with tender pork, pickled jalapenos, and fresh cilantro for a spicy and flavorful bite. Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top for a burst of citrusy flavor.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
If you're craving cheesy and crispy quesadillas, why not fill them with tender carnitas? This recipe calls for slow-cooked pork to be shredded and combined with black beans, corn, and cheese before being grilled to perfection. Serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
For a comforting and hearty meal, try these carnitas enchiladas. Tender pork is combined with enchilada sauce and cheese before being rolled in corn tortillas and baked to perfection. Serve with fresh avocado slices and cilantro for a creamy and flavorful finish.
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Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Corn Tortillas, Tomatillo Salsa, White Onion
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try these carnitas tacos. Simply fill soft flour tortillas with shredded pork, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, and sour cream for a fresh and satisfying meal. Don't forget to top with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
For a fun and interactive meal, try creating a pork carnitas taco board. Fill a large wooden board with soft tortillas, shredded pork, and an array of toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and pickled onions. Let everyone create their own customized and delicious tacos.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
For a fresh and zesty take on carnitas tacos, try topping them with tomatillo salsa verde. The tangy and spicy salsa pairs perfectly with the tender pork and adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Carnitas, Salsa
For a comforting and warming meal, try this carnitas soup. Tender pork is combined with black beans, corn, and spices for a hearty and flavorful broth. Top with crunchy tortilla strips and shredded cheese for a creamy and satisfying finish.
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Healthy Chicken Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Black Beans, Whole Kernel Corn, Plum
If you're looking for a healthier option, try making this chicken carnitas burrito bowl. Tender chicken breast is slow-cooked in a blend of spices and lime juice until tender and then combined with rice, black beans, and corn for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Top with fresh avocado and tomato for a fresh and colorful finish.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
This savory and hearty soup is perfect for cool and rainy days. Tender pork is combined with potatoes, carrots, and corn in a savory and flavorful broth. Top with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright and refreshing finish.
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Carnitas Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Salsa Verde, Mozzarella Cheese, Carnitas
For a creative and delicious twist on traditional pizza, try using carnitas as a topping. Simply top a prepared pizza crust with shredded pork, sliced bell peppers, and red onion for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Don't forget to add some jalapenos for a spicy kick.
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Carnitas Lettuce Wraps With Cherry Peach Salsa
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Cherries, Peach, Cilantro, Lime, Pepper
For a light and refreshing meal, try these carnitas lettuce wraps topped with a sweet and tangy cherry peach salsa. The crisp and fresh lettuce pairs perfectly with the tender pork and fresh and fruity salsa. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete and healthy meal.
Main Ingredients: Frozen Corn Kernels, Queso Fresco, Fresh Cilantro
If you're craving cheesy and crispy flavors, try making these carnitas pupusadillas. These triple decker quesadillas are filled with shredded pork, black beans, and cheese before being grilled to perfection. Top with guacamole and salsa for dipping for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Black Beans, Sweet Corn Kernels, Salsa, Lime
For a quick and easy meal, try making this carnitas burrito bowl. Simply top a bed of warm rice with shredded pork, corn, pinto beans, and salsa for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Don't forget to add some sour cream and shredded cheese for a creamy and cheesy finish.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
If you prefer pork over chicken, try making this pork carnitas burrito bowl. This recipe calls for pork shoulder to be slow-cooked in a blend of spices and orange juice until tender and then combined with rice, black beans, and pico de gallo for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Top with fresh avocado slices for a creamy and delicious finish.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
For a twist on traditional enchiladas, try using carnitas as a filling. Simply roll shredded pork and cheese in corn tortillas and bake in enchilada sauce until hot and bubbly. Top with some fresh cilantro and serve with a side of Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Burrito
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Tortillas, Cooked White Rice, Cilantro, Black
For a hearty and satisfying meal, try making a carnitas burrito. Simply fill a large flour tortilla with shredded pork, rice, beans, cheese, and salsa for a flavorful and filling meal. Don't forget to top with some cilantro and sour cream for a creamy and delicious finish.
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Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Jack Cheese, Pinto
For a crowd-pleasing and shareable meal, try making these carnitas nachos. Simply top a large platter with tortilla chips, shredded pork, black beans, and shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until hot and cheesy and top with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The History of Carnitas
Carnitas has been a part of Mexican cuisine for centuries. It is believed that the dish was created by indigenous people in the state of Michoacán, who would cook pork in large copper pots filled with lard. The traditional method of cooking carnitas involves simmering the pork in its own fat until it is tender and then frying it until it is crispy on the outside. This cooking technique was brought to Mexico by the Spanish colonizers, who introduced pigs to the region.
The Traditional Recipe
The original Mexican carnitas recipe calls for pork shoulder or butt, which is cut into large chunks and cooked in a mixture of lard, orange juice, garlic, and spices such as cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. The pork is slowly cooked for several hours until it is tender and then fried to achieve a crispy exterior. This results in succulent and flavorful meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or on its own with a side of salsa and guacamole.
A Modern Twist
While the traditional recipe for carnitas is still widely used, many chefs and home cooks have put their own spin on the dish. Some may use different cuts of pork, such as pork belly or ribs, while others may add in additional ingredients like pineapple or beer for added flavor. However, no matter the variations, the key to a delicious carnitas dish is the slow cooking process and the use of lard for frying.
In Conclusion
The original Mexican carnitas recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that has stood the test of time. Its rich history and traditional cooking methods have made it a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine and beyond. So why not try making your own carnitas at home? With this authentic recipe, you can taste a piece of Mexican culture and bring a little bit of Michoacán into your kitchen.
