Best 6 Easy Carnitas Pulled Pork Recipes
Carnitas pulled pork is a versatile and flavorful Mexican dish that can be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, or even as a main course with sides. This article features three easy carnitas pulled pork recipes that cater to different dietary preferences and cooking methods. The first recipe is a traditional carnitas recipe made with pork shoulder, oranges, and spices, slow-cooked in a Dutch oven until tender and juicy. The second recipe is a healthier version that uses pork tenderloin and is cooked in an Instant Pot, making it a quick and convenient option. The third recipe is a vegetarian carnitas made with jackfruit, which provides a meaty texture and absorbs the delicious flavors of the spices. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and serving suggestions to ensure a delicious and satisfying carnitas experience.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
EASY PORK CARNITAS
This authentic Mexican pork carnitas recipe takes very little effort and uses only a handful of ingredients. Just the way we make it in Mexico: lots of flavor and no fuss. [Recipe originally submitted to Allrecipes.com.mx]
Provided by ladoña
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 1h25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Trim excess fat from pork shoulder and cut pork into 2-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat a cast iron braiser over medium-high heat. Pour oil into the pot and brown pork on all sides, about 10 minutes. Cover with the lid.
- Bake in the preheated oven until pork is crispy on the outside and soft, but fully cooked, on the inside, about 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 278.4 calories, Cholesterol 106.9 mg, Fat 13.7 g, Protein 36.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 92.7 mg
EASY PORK CARNITAS (MEXICAN PULLED PORK)
Easy pork carnitas are sure to win you over. They come out just right - and that means crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
Provided by Natalya Drozhzhin
Categories Easy
Time 5h40m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Pat the pork dry with a paper towel. Combine salt, pepper and dried oregano and rub pork with the seasoning.
- In the slow cooker, add chopped onion, garlic cloves, broth, lime juice, orange juice, and bay leaves.
- Add the pork to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker. Shredded the pork with two forks. Keep the juice.
- To get crispy edges, transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet. Pour ½ cup of the juices on top of the meat and broil it for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 324 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Protein 52 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 143 mg, Sodium 2738 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CARNITAS (MEXICAN SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK)
Recipe VIDEO above. Spiciness: Not at all. Scale recipe using Servings slider.These carnitas capture that elusive combination of flavourful, juicy AND crispiness. Pan frying to get the golden bits is not optional! Broiling/grilling will not produce the same results. Stuff them in tacos for an authentic Carnitas Tacos experience, see notes for other uses! FAQ below recipe.
Provided by Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Categories Slow cooking
Time 6h15m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Rinse and dry the pork shoulder, rub all over with salt and pepper.
- Combine the Rub ingredients then rub all over the pork.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker (fat cap up), top with the onion, jalapeño, minced garlic (don't worry about spreading it) and squeeze over the juice of the oranges.
- Slow Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 7 hours. (Note 2 for other cook methods)
- Pork should be tender enough to shred. Remove from slow cooker and let cool slightly. Then shred using two forks.
- Optional: Skim off the fat from the juices remaining in the slow cooker and discard.
- If you have a lot more than 2 cups of juice, then reduce it down to about 2 cups. The liquid will be salty, it is the seasoning for the pork. Set liquid aside - don't bother straining onion etc, it's super soft.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 205 g, Calories 578 kcal, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Protein 45 g, Fat 42 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Cholesterol 173 mg, Sodium 616 mg, Sugar 0.5 g, UnsaturatedFat 23.1 g
SIMPLE CARNITAS
This the easiest recipe for tasty carnitas. Once cooked, the meat can also be shredded and mixed with BBQ sauce for incredible pulled pork sandwiches, or pan fried in a little oil until crisp on the outside.
Provided by Ken from CA
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 3h
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the pork shoulder, oranges, onion, garlic, kosher salt, cumin, black peppercorns, and bay leaves into a large Dutch oven. Add water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Cover loosely, and simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Allow the pork to cool, covered, in the broth for 1 hour. Shred the meat with two forks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 187.9 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Cholesterol 62.5 mg, Fat 9.6 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 18.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 2331.5 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
CARNITAS EASY SHREDDED PORK
A great make ahead recipe for tamales or tacos. No slow cooking because this recipe used Trader Joe's Traditional Carnitas a Mexican oven roasted pork. Just shred and add to the rest of the ingredients. For a little extra boast add some of Recipe #15301.
Provided by Rita1652
Categories Pork
Time 35m
Yield 4 cups, 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a pan heat oil then add the last 6 ingredients and cook over medium heat till softened about 20 minutes. Stirring every couple minutes.
- Mix in shredded pork.
- This can be made ahead up three month in freezer container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Fill your favorite wraps, corn or flour tortillas or tacos garnish as you please with sour cream, salsa, avocado -- .
EASY CARNITAS (PULLED PORK)
Why go to your local taco stop when you can make your own authentic carnitas at home. Very simple, just throw ingredients in pan and put in oven. Taste delicious with warm corn tortillas, chopped onions and chopped cilantro.
Provided by Chef Sarita in Aust
Categories Pork
Time 1h10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375. In a bowl, mix pork, orange zest/peel, cumin (to your taste), and salt to taste. Place seasoned pork in large rectangular baking pan and top with onions.
- Bake covered with aluminium paper for about 1 hr 45 minutes. During the cooking time, about every 30 mins or so, check on the pork and turn to prevent the pork from burning. To creat a crispy texture to pork, bake in oven 15 min more UNCOVERED and turn once so that all sides get crispy texture.
- Shred and serve with warm tortillas.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 392.9, Fat 26.1, SaturatedFat 9, Cholesterol 114, Sodium 99.4, Carbohydrate 4.8, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 0.9, Protein 33
Tips:
- Choose the right pork shoulder: Look for a pork shoulder that is 4 to 6 pounds and has a good amount of marbling. This will help ensure that the carnitas are moist and flavorful.
- Score the pork shoulder: Scoring the pork shoulder helps the seasonings penetrate the meat and makes it easier to shred.
- Use a Dutch oven or slow cooker: A Dutch oven or slow cooker is the best way to cook carnitas. This allows the pork to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
- Add plenty of liquid: Carnitas need a good amount of liquid to keep them moist. Use a combination of water, orange juice, and chicken broth.
- Season the carnitas well: Use a variety of seasonings to flavor the carnitas, such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Cook the carnitas until they are fall-apart tender: Carnitas should be cooked until they are so tender that they easily shred with a fork.
- Serve the carnitas with your favorite toppings: Carnitas can be served with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and sour cream.
Conclusion:
Carnitas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and salads. With this simple recipe, you can make carnitas at home in your Dutch oven or slow cooker. So next time you are looking for a flavorful and easy meal, give this carnitas recipe a try!
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