18 Traditional Mexican Carnitas Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
Mexican cuisine is known for its flavorful and vibrant dishes, and one of the most beloved and iconic dishes is traditional Mexican carnitas. This delicious and succulent dish is perfect for gatherings and celebrations, and it is a staple in Mexican households. In this article, we will delve into the history and origins of traditional Mexican carnitas, as well as provide a step-by-step recipe to recreate this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Cold Water, White Onion, Orange, Lard
Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish of braised pork, is a popular choice for many families and gatherings. This flavorful dish is perfect for those who love a little spice and a lot of flavor. Made with tender, slow-cooked pork, carnitas is a versatile dish that can be used in various recipes or enjoyed on its own. With so many delicious variations, it's no wonder that carnitas has become a staple in Mexican cuisine. Here are 20 mouth-watering recipes for carnitas that you have to try.
If you're looking for a classic and authentic carnitas recipe, this is it. Made with tender pork shoulder, this dish is slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of spices, orange juice, and beer. The result is a tender and juicy meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican dish you can think of. This recipe is simple to make and will transport you to the streets of Mexico with its delicious flavors.
This recipe takes a twist on the traditional carnitas by adding in some Coca-Cola for a touch of sweetness. The pork is slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, then the coke is added to create a caramelized glaze on the meat. The result is a tender and flavorful carnitas that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it up in tacos, burritos, or on its own with some rice and beans for a delicious meal.
For a truly authentic carnitas experience, this recipe uses traditional Mexican ingredients like guajillo peppers, cumin, and oregano to create a flavorful and tender pork dish. The meat is slow-cooked until it falls apart and is then broiled for a crispy finish. This recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavor in their carnitas.
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Mexican Carnitas Cobb Salad
Main Ingredients: Chili Powder, Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder
If you're looking for a lighter option, try this Mexican carnitas cobb salad. Made with all the classic cobb salad ingredients like avocado, bacon, and eggs, this dish is elevated with the addition of tender and juicy carnitas. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.
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Slow Cooked Mexican Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Orange Peel, Garlic, Onion, Crushed Red
This recipe takes a simpler approach to making carnitas by using a slow cooker. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican dish. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious meal without a lot of effort.
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Slow Cooker Mexican Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck Roast, Salt, Black Pepper, Olive
For another slow cooker option, try this recipe for tender and juicy Mexican carnitas. The meat is cooked with a blend of spices, orange juice, and beer, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican-inspired meal. The slow cooker makes this recipe easy and convenient, perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe for Mexican pork carnitas is simple yet delicious. The pork is seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked until it falls apart, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that is perfect for any Mexican dish. Serve it up in tacos, burritos, or on its own with some rice and beans for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Salt, Pepper, Ground Cumin, Onion, Bay
This recipe for authentic pork carnitas takes a traditional approach to making this flavorful dish. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican dish. This recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavor in their carnitas.
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Pork Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Salt, Pepper, Ground Cumin, Onions, Bay
This simple and delicious pork carnitas recipe is perfect for those who want a no-fuss dish that still delivers on flavor. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican-inspired meal. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious meal without a lot of effort.
This recipe for Mexican pulled pork, also known as carnitas, is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be used in various recipes. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican-inspired dish. This recipe is a must-try for any pork lover.
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Mexican Pork Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin
Tacos are a classic Mexican dish, and this recipe takes them to the next level with the addition of tender and flavorful pork carnitas. The meat is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in a flavorful and tender filling for your tacos. Top them off with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Mexican Street Tacos- Carnitas!
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Sea Salt, Cumin, Ancho Chili Powder
For a taste of authentic Mexican street food, try this recipe for carnitas street tacos. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is perfect for filling up your tacos. Top them off with some fresh cilantro, onions, and salsa for a delicious and authentic street taco experience.
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Mexican Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Lime Juice, Coarse Sea Salt, Ground
This recipe for slow cooker pork carnitas tacos is perfect for those busy days when you don't have a lot of time to cook. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is perfect for filling up your tacos. This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for any taco night.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas)
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano
If you're looking for a simple and delicious slow cooker carnitas recipe, this is it. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican-inspired dish. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a flavorful meal without a lot of effort.
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Mexican Carnitas Tacos {Electric Pressure Cooker}
Main Ingredients: Salt, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano
This recipe for carnitas tacos uses an electric pressure cooker to create tender and juicy pork in a fraction of the time. The pork is cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in a flavorful and tender meat that is perfect for filling up your tacos. This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy way to make carnitas.
This delicious Mexican cornbread is a perfect side dish to any of your carnitas recipes. Made with a blend of cornmeal, flour, and spices, this bread is moist and flavorful. Serve it up with your favorite carnitas recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Roast, Fine Sea Salt, Freshly Cracked Black
If you have an Instant Pot, this recipe for crispy carnitas is a must-try. The pork is cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, then broiled to create a crispy and flavorful finish. This carnitas is perfect for tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican-inspired dish that you can think of.
This recipe for Mexican rice is the perfect side dish to any of your carnitas recipes. Made with simple ingredients like rice, tomatoes, and spices, this rice is flavorful and easy to make. Serve it up with your favorite carnitas dish for a complete and delicious meal.
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Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Sea Salt, Vegetable Oil, Water, Cinnamon
This classic carnitas recipe is perfect for those who want a traditional and authentic dish. The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican-inspired dish. Serve it up with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
History and Origins of Traditional Mexican Carnitas
The Meaning of Carnitas
The word carnitas translates to "little meats" in Spanish, and this dish is a type of slow-cooked pork that is typically served in small chunks. It originated in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, and has been a part of Mexican cuisine since the pre-Hispanic era. The traditional method of preparing carnitas involves simmering pork in a cauldron or copper pot, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, and other dishes.
Evolution of the Recipe
While the method of cooking carnitas has remained relatively unchanged over the years, the recipe has evolved to incorporate different spices and flavors. In the past, carnitas were typically made with only pork, lard, and salt. However, with the influence of different regions and cultures, the recipe has expanded to include ingredients such as garlic, onions, and various herbs and spices. This has resulted in a more complex and flavorful dish that is beloved by many.
How to Make Traditional Mexican Carnitas
Ingredients
To make authentic and delicious traditional Mexican carnitas, you will need:
3 pounds of pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
1 onion, roughly chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 orange, juiced
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 cup of water
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up some oil over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chunks and cook until browned on all sides.
Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
Return the pork to the pot and add the orange juice, lime juice, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shredded pork, cooking until it is crispy and caramelized.
Serve the carnitas with tortillas, salsa, and your choice of toppings.
Now that you have learned about the history and evolution of traditional Mexican carnitas, as well as how to make it at home, it's time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Impress your friends and family with this authentic and delicious dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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