20 Smoked Mexican Pork Carnitas Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!

Published on: May 18, 2024

Pork carnitas are a beloved Mexican dish that has gained popularity all over the world. These tender and flavorful pieces of pork are traditionally slow-cooked until they are crispy and golden brown. While there are many variations of this dish, the most authentic recipe calls for smoking the pork to give it a rich, smoky flavor. In this article, we will share our tried and true smoked Mexican pork carnitas recipe, perfect for any occasion.

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Mexican Pork Carnitas

Main Ingredients: Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Avocado, Tomato Salsa

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This Mexican pork carnitas recipe is a great twist on a classic beer can chicken dish. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of Mexican spices and then cooked on a beer can for added flavor and moisture. Serve it up with some warm tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal.

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Carnitas Street Tacos

Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red

Take your beer can chicken to the streets with this tasty twist on traditional street tacos. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices, then shredded and served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro. These carnitas street tacos are sure to be a hit at your next summer cookout.

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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas

Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper

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If you're short on time but still want to enjoy some delicious carnitas, try making these slow cooker carnitas quesadillas. The chicken is cooked in the slow cooker until it's tender and juicy, then shredded and used as a filling for cheesy and crispy quesadillas. Serve them up with some guacamole and sour cream for a tasty meal.

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Mexican Lasagna

Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Salsa, Enchilada Sauce, Black Olives

Sugar & Spice by Celeste: Mexican Lasagne

Yes, you read that right – beer can chicken in lasagna form! This Mexican lasagna is made with layers of corn tortillas, spicy chicken, black beans, and cheese. It's then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, making for a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will love.

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Pork Carnita Tacos

Main Ingredients: Pork Butt Roast, Salt, Cumin, Coconut Oil, Onion

Quick Pork Carnitas Tacos Recipe | Diethood

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If you're a fan of traditional carnitas, you'll love this beer can chicken version. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-cooked until it's tender and juicy. Serve it up in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a tasty and easy weeknight meal.

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Mexican Cuban Sandwich

Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Ham Slices, Cheese, Pickled Jalapenos

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This beer can chicken recipe puts a Mexican twist on the classic Cuban sandwich. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then shredded and used as the filling for this tasty sandwich. Add some pickles, mustard, and cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

7 of 20

Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground

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If you're a fan of enchiladas, you have to try this beer can chicken version. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then shredded and used as the filling for these delicious enchiladas. Top them off with some cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8 of 20

Posole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)

Main Ingredients: Guajillo, Salt, White Hominy, Pork Shoulder, Garlic

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This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for a cold winter night. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then added to a rich and hearty stew made with hominy, beans, and tomatoes. Serve it up with some warm tortillas for a comforting and satisfying meal.

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Mexican Quinoa Bowl with Chipotle Vinaigrette

Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Vinaigrette, Quinoa, Tomatoes, Avocados

This beer can chicken recipe is a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and served alongside quinoa, black beans, avocado, and a homemade chipotle vinaigrette. It's a delicious and nutritious meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board

Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue

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Impress your guests at your next gathering with this easy pork carnitas taco board. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and served alongside warm tortillas, a variety of toppings, and homemade salsa and guacamole. Let your guests build their own tacos for a fun and interactive meal.

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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh

Super Tasty Carnitas Tacos | Downshiftology | Carnitas tacos, Carnitas ...

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This beer can chicken recipe takes a traditional taco and gives it a tangy twist with the addition of tomatillo salsa verde. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then served in warm tortillas with the homemade salsa, avocado, and fresh cilantro. It's a delicious and refreshing meal for those hot summer days.

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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...

Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa

Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes (Whole30 Mexican ...

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For those following a Whole30 diet, this beer can chicken recipe is perfect for you. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then served alongside homemade sweet potato chips and topped with a tangy and spicy avocado salsa. It's a flavorful and healthy meal that's sure to satisfy.

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Sopes

Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried

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How To Make Mexican Sopes (Video) - A Spicy Perspective

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Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish made with masa dough and topped with a variety of toppings, including meat, beans, and cheese. This beer can chicken version is made with a blend of spices and then shredded and used as a topping for these tasty sopes. Add some avocado and salsa for a delicious and filling meal.

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Loaded Carnitas Tacos With Avocado Tomatillo Salsa

Main Ingredients: Tomatillos, Jalapeno, Garlic, Avocado, Cilantro, Salt

Avocado-Tomatillo Salsa • The Bojon Gourmet

Lamb Carnitas Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

If you're a fan of loaded tacos, you have to try this beer can chicken version. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then served in warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings, including beans, cheese, avocado, and a homemade tomatillo salsa. It's a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

15 of 20

Pulled Pork Enchiladas

Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Cooked Rice, Chopped Green

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Another great twist on a classic beer can chicken dish, these pulled pork enchiladas are sure to be a hit. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then shredded and used as the filling for these delicious and cheesy enchiladas. Serve them up with some homemade salsa and sour cream for a tasty and easy meal.

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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl

Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Burrito Bowl | The Rising Spoon

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This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner option. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then served in a bowl with rice, beans, avocado, and your favorite toppings. It's a delicious and customizable meal that's sure to please.

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Pork Verde Tostadas

Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Herdez Salsa Verde, Shredded Cabbage

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These pork verde tostadas are a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then topped on crispy tostadas and served with a tangy and spicy verde sauce. Add some cheese, avocado, and cilantro for a tasty and easy meal.

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Stovetop Citrus Carnitas with Pickled Jalapeño and Red...

Main Ingredients: Jalapeno, Red Onion, Fresh Lime Juice, Red Wine

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This beer can chicken recipe is a great option for those who don't have access to a grill. The chicken is cooked on the stovetop with a blend of spices and then topped with pickled jalapeños and red onions for a tangy and spicy kick. Serve it up in warm tortillas for a flavorful and easy meal.

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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground

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This beer can chicken version of enchiladas is made with a blend of spices and then shredded and used as the filling. The enchiladas are then topped with a homemade enchilada sauce and cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve them up with some homemade salsa and guacamole for a delicious and comforting meal.

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Carnitas Taco Lettuce Wraps

Main Ingredients: Avocados, Lime, Garlic Clove, Salt, Bibb Lettuce, Red

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For a healthier option, try making these carnitas taco lettuce wraps. The chicken is cooked with a blend of spices and then served in crisp lettuce cups with your favorite toppings. It's a tasty and easy meal that's perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs.

Ingredients:

For the Pork:

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Smoking Process:

1 cup wood chips, such as hickory or mesquite
1 aluminum foil pan
1 rack, for smoking
Water, for soaking wood chips

For Serving:

12-16 small corn tortillas
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced cilantro
1 cup crumbled queso fresco
1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions:

In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.
In a large bowl, toss the pork pieces with the dry rub until evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and let the pork marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
While the pork is marinating, prepare the smoker by soaking the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the smoker to 225°F and place the aluminum foil pan on the bottom rack to catch any drippings.
Remove the pork from the fridge and place it on the rack in the smoker.
Drain the wood chips and place them in the pan on top of the foil.
Cover the smoker and let the pork smoke for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F.
Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Shred the pork using two forks and mix it with any remaining juices from the smoker.
Warm up the tortillas on a grill or in a pan, and serve the smoked pork carnitas with the tortillas, diced onion, cilantro, queso fresco, and lime wedges.

This smoked Mexican pork carnitas recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive party. The slow smoking process infuses the pork with a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and fresh cilantro. The dry rub adds the perfect amount of spice and heat to the tender and juicy pork. Don't be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe for any Mexican-inspired dish!

So next time you're in the mood for some delicious and authentic pork carnitas, don't hesitate to try this recipe. Your taste buds will thank you.