16 Recipe For Carnitas Mexican Style They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you've probably heard of carnitas. This delicious dish is made with succulent, slow-cooked pork that is packed with flavor. Traditionally, it is served with tortillas, salsa, and other toppings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family. In this article, we'll share with you our recipe for making authentic carnitas Mexican style. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you'll be able to recreate this popular dish in the comfort of your own home. So let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Pork Lard, Pork Shoulder, Onion, Whole Milk, Water
First up on our list is a classic Mexican dish that is sure to be a crowd pleaser - carnitas. This slow-cooked pork is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for tacos, burritos, or even just on its own with some rice and beans. Bold and delicious, this is a must-try recipe for any lover of Mexican food.
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Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Butt, Brown Onion, Bay Leaves, Dried
Another variation of carnitas, this recipe uses a combination of spices and citrus flavors to create a unique and delicious pulled pork dish. The meat is tender and juicy, with a crispy exterior that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. Serve it up with some warm tortillas, salsa, and fresh avocado for a flavorful and filling meal.
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Instant Pot Carnitas – Mexican Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Kosher Salt, Garlic Salt, Ground Cumin
If you're short on time but still craving some Mexican-inspired flavors, this Instant Pot carnitas recipe is the perfect solution. Using a pressure cooker, this dish can be made in just over an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The meat is perfectly tender and infused with spicy and tangy flavors, making it a great addition to any meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
For a twist on the classic enchilada, try these carnitas enchiladas. The pulled pork adds a rich and savory element to this dish, while the enchilada sauce and cheese bring a creamy and indulgent touch. Serve with some Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos (Carnitas)
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Sauce, Tortillas, Avocado Slices, Tomato
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe takes them to the next level with flavorful and tender pulled pork. The meat is cooked with spices and herbs that give it a delicious and complex taste. Serve with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese for a fiesta in your mouth.
This simple yet delicious recipe for Mexican pork carnitas is a great way to incorporate authentic Mexican flavors into your cooking. The pork is slow-cooked until it falls apart, creating juicy and flavorful meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Serve it up with some warm tortillas and fresh cilantro for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Pulled pork enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Cooked Rice, Chopped Green
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of fillings, and this pulled pork version is a must-try. The moist and tender meat pairs perfectly with the enchilada sauce and cheese, creating a rich and hearty dish. Top with some sour cream and sliced black olives for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
This recipe for pork carnitas tacos with tomatillo salsa verde is a fresh and flavorful take on traditional tacos. The tangy and slightly spicy salsa pairs perfectly with the tender and savory pulled pork. Top with some diced onion and crumbled queso fresco for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal.
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Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Medium White Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil
If you're a fan of bold and spicy flavors, these pulled pork enchiladas are the perfect dish for you. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of Mexican spices, creating a smoky and flavorful filling for the enchiladas. Top with some fresh pico de gallo and sliced jalapeños for a kick of heat in every bite.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a popular Mexican street food, and this recipe for carnitas street tacos is sure to be a hit. The tender and juicy pulled pork is paired with fresh and tangy toppings such as salsa verde, cilantro, and diced onion, making for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack? These loaded carnitas nachos are the answer. The pulled pork adds a meaty and savory element to the nachos, while the toppings such as cheese, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes bring texture and flavor to the dish.
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Red Pulled Pork Enchiladas with Jalapeño Corn and...
Main Ingredients: Large Flour Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Creamed Corn
For a more complex and flavorful enchilada dish, try these red pulled pork enchiladas with jalapeño corn and black beans. The pulled pork is combined with spicy and smoky ingredients such as adobo sauce, chipotle peppers, and cumin, creating a bold and satisfying filling for the enchiladas.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal, and this recipe takes them to the next level with tender and flavorful pulled pork. The meat is slow-cooked until it falls apart, making it a perfect filling for the quesadillas. Serve with some sour cream and guacamole for a creamy and delicious meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
This recipe for carnitas enchiladas is a classic and delicious take on the traditional dish. The pulled pork is slow-cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce, then wrapped in tortillas and topped with cheese. Bake until the cheese is melty and golden for a mouth-watering meal.
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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 this easy pork carnitas taco board. The pulled pork is served alongside a variety of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese, allowing everyone to create their own tacos. Serve with some chips and dip for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Keto Pulled Pork Tacos
Main Ingredients: Cheddar, Mozzerella, Pork Tenderloin, Pork Carnitas
For those following a keto diet, these pulled pork tacos are the perfect option. The meat is slow-cooked with spices and herbs, creating a flavorful and tender filling for the tacos. Serve with some low-carb tortillas and lettuce cups for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Posole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)
Main Ingredients: Guajillo, Salt, White Hominy, Pork Shoulder, Garlic
This hearty and flavorful stew is a traditional Mexican dish that is perfect for a chilly day. The pulled pork is combined with hominy, chiles, and spices, creating a savory and slightly spicy broth. Serve with some fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for a tasty and comforting meal.
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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa
This Whole30-approved dish is a healthy and satisfying option for those looking to incorporate more Mexican flavors into their diet. The pulled pork is combined with crispy sweet potatoes and spicy salsa, creating a delicious and nutritious meal.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
If you're a fan of soup, this carnitas caldo is a must-try. The pulled pork is combined with corn, potatoes, and Mexican spices, creating a hearty and flavorful soup. Serve with some warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Sopes
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried
Last but not least, we have sopes - a traditional Mexican dish that is sure to impress. The base is made from corn masa and topped with spicy pulled pork, avocado, and crumbled queso fresco, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve as an appetizer or make it a meal by adding some rice and beans.
The Ingredients You'll Need
To make authentic carnitas Mexican style, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Pork Shoulder
The key ingredient in carnitas is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. This cut of meat has just the right amount of fat to ensure that the carnitas are juicy and flavorful.
- Citrus Fruits
To give the pork a tangy and citrusy flavor, we'll be using orange and lime juice. The acidity of these fruits helps to tenderize the meat and adds a refreshing zing to the dish.
- Spices
Authentic carnitas are seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, oregano, and chili powder. These spices add depth of flavor and a touch of heat to the dish.
- Onion and Garlic
No Mexican dish is complete without the aromatic combination of onion and garlic. These ingredients add a savory and fragrant element to the carnitas.
- Oil
To cook the pork, you'll need a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. This will ensure that the pork gets crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Instructions for Cooking Carnitas Mexican Style
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps to make delicious carnitas:
Step 1: Cut the Pork
Start by cutting the pork into large chunks and removing any excess fat. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork
In a large bowl, mix together the orange and lime juice, spices, onion, and garlic. Add the pork to the marinade, making sure that all the pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Working in batches, brown the pork on all sides, then transfer it to a plate.
Step 4: Add the Marinade and Cook
Once all the pork has been browned, return it to the pot and add the remaining marinade. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure that the pork is fully cooked and tender before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Shred and Crisp Up the Pork
Using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces and return it to the pot. Turn up the heat to medium-high and let the pork cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to crisp up the edges of the pork, adding a delicious texture to the dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the carnitas are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and your choice of toppings, and enjoy your homemade carnitas Mexican style!
In just a few simple steps, you can make authentic carnitas Mexican style that will impress your family and friends. The juicy and flavorful pork, combined with the tanginess of citrus and the warmth of spices, makes for a truly delicious dish. So why not give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen?
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