19 Recipe For Mexican Carnitas Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Mexican carnitas are a beloved and traditional dish that originated in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. This flavorful and tender meat is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is commonly served at family gatherings and celebrations. The word "carnitas" translates to "little meats" and refers to the small chunks of pork that are slow-cooked and then fried to create a crispy exterior. This recipe for Mexican carnitas is a must-try for anyone looking to bring the authentic flavors of Mexico into their own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Hot Water, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Avocado
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe, try using carnitas as the filling for these delicious arepas. The combination of tender pork and creamy guasacaca sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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5-Ingredient Crispy Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Light Beer, Minced Garlic, Lime Juice
For a simple and flavorful beer can chicken recipe, try making these 5-ingredient crispy carnitas. All you need is pork shoulder, orange juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. The result is juicy, tender, and perfectly crispy carnitas that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this mouthwatering Mexican pork carnitas recipe. Marinated in a blend of spices and slow cooked to perfection, this dish is bursting with flavor and pairs perfectly with a cold beer.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
For a fun and casual twist on beer can chicken, try making these carnitas street tacos. The tender pork, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas make for a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you to the streets of Mexico.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
Elevate your beer can chicken game with these slow cooker carnitas quesadillas. The crockpot does all the work, resulting in tender and flavorful carnitas that are perfect for stuffing into a crispy tortilla with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
For a hearty and delicious beer can chicken recipe, try making these carnitas enchiladas. The combination of tender pork, creamy cheese, and spicy sauce is a match made in heaven. Serve with a cold beer for the ultimate meal.
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Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Corn Tortillas, Tomatillo Salsa, White Onion
You can't go wrong with classic beer can chicken tacos, especially when they're made with juicy and flavorful carnitas. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy with a cold beer for a satisfying and easy 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 making this easy pork carnitas taco board. Simply cook up some carnitas and set out a variety of toppings for everyone to customize their own tacos. This is a great option for a party or gathering with friends.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
For a tangy and flavorful twist on beer can chicken tacos, try using tomatillo salsa verde as a topping. The combination of tender pork and zesty salsa is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
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Carnitas Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Carnitas, Salsa
If you have leftover carnitas from your beer can chicken, try using them to make this delicious and comforting carnitas soup. Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
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Healthy Chicken Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Black Beans, Whole Kernel Corn, Plum
For a healthier take on beer can chicken, try using chicken instead of pork in this carnitas burrito bowl recipe. The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and flavorful toppings make for a nutritious and delicious meal.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
This traditional Mexican soup is a perfect way to use up leftover carnitas from your beer can chicken. Packed with vegetables, beans, and tender pork, this soup is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cold day.
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Carnitas Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Salsa Verde, Mozzarella Cheese, Carnitas
Get creative with your beer can chicken leftovers by making this delicious carnitas pizza. The combination of tender pork, gooey cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings make for a mouthwatering and unique meal.
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Carnitas Lettuce Wraps With Cherry Peach Salsa
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Cherries, Peach, Cilantro, Lime, Pepper
For a light and refreshing option, try making these carnitas lettuce wraps with a delicious cherry peach salsa. The combination of tender pork, crunchy lettuce, and fruity salsa is a perfect balance of flavors.
Main Ingredients: Frozen Corn Kernels, Queso Fresco, Fresh Cilantro
Take your beer can chicken leftovers to the next level with these triple decker carnitas pupusadillas. Packed with layers of tender pork, cheese, and your favorite toppings, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit with everyone.
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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 these carnitas burrito bowls. Full of flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
If you prefer pork in your beer can chicken, try making this delicious pork carnitas burrito bowl. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
Upgrade your beer can chicken leftovers with these delicious carnitas enchiladas. The combination of tender pork, creamy cheese, and spicy sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Carnitas Burrito
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Tortillas, Cooked White Rice, Cilantro, Black
For a hearty and filling meal, try making these carnitas burritos with your leftover beer can chicken. Packed with tender pork, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings, this recipe is sure to satisfy any appetite.
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Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Jack Cheese, Pinto
For a fun and easy way to use up your beer can chicken leftovers, try making these carnitas nachos. Loaded with tender pork, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, this dish is perfect for a game day or movie night.
The Perfect Cut of Meat
Choose the Right Cut
Pork shoulder is the most commonly used cut of meat for making carnitas. This cut is also known as pork butt or pork picnic and comes from the upper part of the pig's front leg. It has a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which is essential for creating tender and juicy carnitas. Other options include pork belly or a combination of both pork shoulder and pork belly for extra flavor and texture.
Trim and Season
Before cooking the meat, it is important to trim off any excess fat and silver skin. This will prevent the meat from becoming too greasy. Next, season the meat generously with a blend of Mexican spices such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder. For an extra kick, add some chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the seasoning mix.
The Slow-Cooking Process
Low and Slow
To achieve the tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional Mexican carnitas, the meat must be cooked low and slow. This can be done in a slow cooker or in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. The key is to cook the meat on low heat for several hours until it is very tender and can easily be pulled apart with a fork. This slow cooking process also allows the flavors to fully develop.
Add Some Citrus
One of the secrets to achieving the authentic flavor of Mexican carnitas is adding citrus juices during the cooking process. The most commonly used citrus fruits are orange and lime, which add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the meat. The acidity from the citrus also helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
The Finishing Touch
Crispy and Delicious
After the meat has been slow-cooked and is fall-apart tender, it is time to give it that signature crispy exterior. This can be achieved by frying the meat in some of its own rendered fat until it is golden brown and crispy. For an even crispier finish, add some vegetable oil to the pan. This final step is what takes the carnitas to the next level and makes it truly irresistible.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the carnitas are crispy and golden brown, it's time to serve and enjoy. This versatile dish can be served in many ways, such as in tacos, burritos, or on a bed of rice. Top it off with some salsa, guacamole, and cilantro for a burst of freshness and flavor. Your family and friends will be impressed by the authentic taste of these delicious Mexican carnitas.
Now that you have the perfect recipe for Mexican carnitas, it's time to give it a try and experience the rich and flavorful taste of this traditional dish. With the right cut of meat, slow cooking, and a blend of delicious spices and citrus, you can bring the flavors of Mexico into your own home. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your loved ones with this mouth-watering recipe.
