Best 8 Mexican Pork Tenderloin Carnitas Recipes

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Are you looking for a flavorful and authentic Mexican dish that's perfect for your next gathering? Look no further than this Mexican Pork Tenderloin Carnitas recipe! This succulent dish features tender and juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a blend of spices and citrus, then slow-cooked to perfection. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that will tantalize your taste buds.

This recipe provides step-by-step instructions, along with tips and tricks to ensure your carnitas turn out perfectly. Whether you prefer to cook your carnitas in the oven or in a slow cooker, we've got you covered. We've also included a flavorful salsa recipe that pairs wonderfully with the carnitas. And if you're looking for a side dish to complete your meal, try our easy guacamole and Mexican rice recipes. With its vibrant flavors and versatile serving options, this Mexican Pork Tenderloin Carnitas recipe is sure to become a hit at your next party or family dinner.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PORK CARNITAS RECIPE



Pork Carnitas Recipe image

Pork Carnitas are pieces of pork meat slow-cooked in copper cauldrons on an open fire. Here I will show you two different and easy ways to make your carnitas at home. The result is a juicy and tender pieces of meat with golden and crispy outer skin carnitas. Perfect for carnitas tacos or in a torta.

Provided by Mely Martínez

Categories     Pork

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 Lbs. pork loin and pork butt in large cubes about 2 inches.
1/4 cup of Lard (vegetable oil is OK)
About 6-8 cups of water enough to cover the meat
1 Tablespoon of salt
Optional: 3 cloves of garlic

Steps:

  • In a large Dutch oven or Cast Iron Pot place the pork, lard, water, garlic, and salt. Cook covered on a medium heat to a boil. Reduce to simmer for about 45 minutes until pork is almost tender.
  • Uncover and turn the heat to medium high to reduce the liquid.The meat will start frying in its own fat and lard at this point. Carefully brown the meat at medium low heat stirring frequently until pork is evenly browned. About 15 to 20 minutes. At this point do not over cook or you will get very dry meat.
  • Serve with hot tortillas and green salsa.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 4 oz, Calories 277 kcal, Protein 28 g, Fat 17 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Sodium 1261 mg

MEXICAN CARNITAS



Mexican Carnitas image

Ever hear of carnitas? They're easy-to-make pork crisps that are very popular in Mexico. The secret to this recipe is the quick frying. Be sure the meat is well drained before it's placed in oil, though, or it will splatter and pop. -Patricia Collins, Imbler, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h40m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (3 to 4 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
6 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
3 large oranges, divided
1 large lemon
Oil for frying
12 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
Optional toppings: Chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, sour cream and avocado slices

Steps:

  • Place meat in a medium-size roasting pan. Sprinkle with garlic and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze the juice from one orange and the lemon over the meat. Slice the remaining oranges and place over the meat. , Cover and bake at 350° for about 2 hours or until meat is tender. With a slotted spoon, remove meat and drain well on paper towels. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and fry meat in batches until browned and crispy. , Serve warm in tortillas with toppings of your choice. Freeze option: Freeze cooled pork mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Fry meat in batches as directed until crispy and brown. Serve as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 468 calories, Fat 26g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 501mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

PORK TENDERLOIN CARNITAS



Pork Tenderloin Carnitas image

Juicy, crispy shredded pork tenderloin carnitas uses a leaner cut of meat than traditional recipes for healthy, delicious pork tacos made in a slow cooker.

Provided by Feasting not Fasting

Categories     Main Dish

Time 8h10m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lb. pork tenderloin ((2-2.5 lbs. is best, may need two tenderloins for this))
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 - 2 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, finely chopped ((about 1 Tbsp., can use 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder instead))
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup light beer (OPTIONAL) ( (I use pacifico or corona))
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro

Steps:

  • Place pork tenderloins in crock-pot and sprinkle with spices. Add chilis, lime juice, and orange juice.
  • Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours. Pork should be easily shreddable when done.
  • Use two forks to shred pork, adjust seasoning level if desired and simmer another half hour.
  • Preheat broiler and transfer shredded pork to a baking sheet, spread out in a medium-thin layer, leaving any juices in the crock-pot.
  • Broil on low for about 5 minutes until it starts to get crisp but is not burnt or dried out. Remove pork and toss with reserved cooking liquid to moisten.
  • Stir in fresh cilantro and serve with taco fixings or over Mexican flavored rice. Taco fixing ideas: pickled red onions, queso fresco, salsa, cheese, lime, guacamole, tomato, lettuce, black olives or whatever else you prefer.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 200 g, Calories 189 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 32 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Sodium 480 mg, Sugar 1 g

CARNITAS (MEXICAN SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK)



Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork) image

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

2 kg / 4 lb pork shoulder (pork butt) (, skinless, boneless (5lb/2.5kg bone in) (Note 1))
2 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 onion (, chopped)
1 jalapeno (, deseeded, chopped)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup juice from orange (2 oranges)
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp olive oil

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

MEXICAN PORK TENDERLOINS



Mexican Pork Tenderloins image

We spoon the black bean salsa that accompanies this dish over grilled tenderloin slices. You can save on last-minute prep time by making the salsa and the cumin-coriander pork rub ahead. -Maria Chiarino of Concord, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon each onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano and pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 pork tenderloins (1 pound each)
BLACK BEAN SALSA:
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 plum tomatoes, diced
1 can (11 ounces) Mexicorn, drained
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Combine the seasonings. Rub oil and seasoning mixture over the meat; let stand for 10 minutes. , Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Grill meat, covered, over medium heat for 10-12 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°. Remove from the grill. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing., For salsa, in a large bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, corn, onion and pepper. Whisk together the oil, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt and pepper. Drizzle over the bean mixture; toss to coat. Serve with tenderloin.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 257 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 550mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SLOW COOKER MEXICAN PORK CARNITAS



Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas image

This is a shredded spin on carnitas. In Spanish, carnitas means "little meats." The traditional Mexican dish is typically made from pork, but can also be made from beef. This is a slow-cooked version of the otherwise braised or slow-roasted techniques. Once shredded, the meat is often served with cilantro, onion, salsa, guacamole, refried beans, and tortillas. Serve over cabbage slaw in a soft tortilla.

Provided by clifford

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 6h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock
1 (3 pound) pork loin, or more to taste
3 tablespoons adobo seasoning
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground paprika
1 large white onion, diced
2 tablespoons chipotle paste
2 bay leaves
1 (14 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 limes, halved
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Turn a large slow cooker to High. Pour chicken stock into the cooker and place pork loin in the center. Season pork with adobo, cumin, pepper, and paprika. Place onion, chipotle paste, and bay leaves in the stock around the pork. Place tomatoes and garlic on top of the pork, and squeeze limes directly over top, allowing pulp to fall into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with cinnamon and cloves.
  • Use a spoon to baste stock over the pork loin, then sprinkle entire surface evenly with cilantro.
  • Cover and cook on High until pork is slightly pink in the center, about 6 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Use a fork to shred pork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 266.2 calories, Carbohydrate 12.1 g, Cholesterol 82.2 mg, Fat 11 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 607.9 mg, Sugar 1.6 g

SLOW-COOKER PORK CARNITAS



Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas image

This easy and delicious slow-cooker recipe will impress any taco lover. While it's an extra step, crisping up the shredded meat in a skillet before serving adds extra flavor and creates the crunchy bits that are typical of carnitas. And don't skip the pickled red onions! They complement the richness of the pork.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Juice of 2 oranges
Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Small pinch ground cloves
Kosher salt
1 medium white onion, quartered
6 cloves garlic, peeled
2 bay leaves
3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, fat trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup lard
Soft corn tortillas, for serving
Cilantro leaves, for serving
Sliced jalapenos, for serving
Pickled red onions, recipe follows
2 small red onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • Add the chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, cloves, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt to a large slow cooker and whisk to combine. Add the onion, garlic and bay leaves and stir to combine. Add the pork and toss to coat. Cover and cook on high until the meat is tender, about 5 hours.
  • Transfer the pork to a large bowl with a slotted spoon and discard the bay leaves, onion, and garlic. Shred the pork into bite-size pieces with 2 forks, leaving some larger chunks, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the lard in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the shredded pork and press down into an even layer with a spatula. Cook, pressing occasionally with a spatula, until crisped and browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 2 tablespoons lard and shredded pork.
  • Serve with tortillas, cilantro, jalapenos and pickled red onions.
  • Put the sliced onions in a medium heatproof, nonreactive bowl. Put the vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, sugar, coriander and 1 tablespoon kosher salt in a small saucepan and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Pour the mixture over the red onions and set aside until cooled to room temperature. Serve at room temperature or cover and refrigerate up to 4 days.

PORK CARNITAS



Pork Carnitas image

Many find carnitas a little dry or flavorless. These have a great, distinctive flavor and are requested by friends and family over and over. Serve with warm, fresh tortillas and salsa.

Provided by Nette

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 3h45m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

¼ cup vegetable oil
4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into several large pieces
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

Steps:

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Season the pork shoulder with salt, then arrange the pork in the Dutch oven. Cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, oregano, and cumin. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and continue to simmer until pork is very tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Transfer the pork shoulder to a large baking sheet, reserving the cooking liquid. Drizzle with a small amount of the reserved cooking liquid and lightly season with salt.
  • Bake the pork in the preheated oven until browned, about 30 minutes. Drizzle more of the cooking liquid on the meat every 10 minutes, and use two forks to shred the meat as it browns.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 249.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2.3 g, Cholesterol 62.5 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 16.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 2072.3 mg, Sugar 1.1 g

Tips:

  • Choose tenderloin with even thickness: This ensures even cooking throughout the pork.
  • Score the pork tenderloin: This helps the marinade penetrate deeper and results in more flavorful meat.
  • Use fresh citrus juice: Fresh orange and lime juice provides a vibrant flavor to the marinade.
  • Let pork tenderloin marinate: Allowing the pork to marinate overnight or for at least 4 hours allows the flavors to infuse into the meat.
  • Sear pork tenderloin at high temperature: This creates a delicious crust while locking in the juices.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook until tender: Slow cooking the pork tenderloin ensures that it becomes tender and succulent.
  • Shred the pork tenderloin: Use two forks to easily shred the pork into tender pieces.

Conclusion:

This Mexican Pork Tenderloin Carnitas recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful pork that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a main course. The marinade, made with citrus juices, spices, and herbs, infuses the pork with a tantalizing flavor. The cooking process, involving searing and then braising, ensures that the pork remains moist and succulent. This dish is a versatile culinary delight that is sure to impress your family and friends.

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