**Pork carnitas with cilantro-tomatillo sauce: A delectable Mexican feast**
Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish, tantalizes taste buds with its tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork and vibrant flavors. This recipe guide presents a step-by-step approach to creating authentic pork carnitas, complemented by a zesty cilantro-tomatillo sauce that adds a burst of freshness. Additionally, it explores variations such as carnitas tacos, carnitas burritos, and carnitas nachos, providing a versatile culinary experience that caters to diverse preferences. Embark on this culinary journey and indulge in the exquisite flavors of Mexican cuisine.
PORK CARNITAS WITH CILANTRO TOMATILLO SAUCE
Slow cooking blends the flavors.
Provided by Food Network
Time 1h40m
Yield 4 Servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Cut pork into 1 inch cubes; season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large skillet or Dutch oven. 2. Add pork, onions, garlic powder, chili powder and chipotle chile; saute 3 to 5 minutes to brown the meat. 3. Add enough water to barely cover pork. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Remove lid and continue to simmer an additional 45 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. 4. Combine chopped tomatillos, tomatoes and cilantro in a small bowl. 5. Place an equal amount of pork on each tortilla. Top with tomatillo salsa.
PORK CARNITAS
I use this recipe often when entertaining. I set out all the toppings, and folks have fun assembling their own carnitas. Because I can prepare everything in advance, I get to spend more time with my guests. -Tracy Byers, Corvallis, Oregon
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 9h15m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine pork, lime juice, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour; stir. Reduce heat to low and cook 8-10 hours longer or until meat is tender., Shred pork with two forks. Spoon about 1/3 cup pork mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with cheese, avocados, tomatoes, onion, lettuce and, if desired, cilantro. Fold in bottom and sides of tortillas. Serve with salsa. Freeze option: Before adding toppings, freeze cooled shredded meat mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary. Serve as directed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 340 calories, Fat 20g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 585mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein.
PORK CARNITAS WITH CILANTRO TOMATILLO SAUCE
Slow cooking blends the flavors in this pork carnitas sauce.
Provided by Mazola
Categories Mazola®
Time 1h40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cut pork into 1-inch cubes; season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add pork, onions, garlic powder, chili powder, and chipotle chile powder; sauté until browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add enough water to barely cover pork; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to simmer until liquid has evaporated, about 45 minutes.
- Combine chopped tomatillos, tomatoes, and cilantro in a small bowl.
- Place an equal amount of pork on each tortilla. Top with tomatillo salsa.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 261.7 calories, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 56.4 mg, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 18.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 87 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
Tips:
- Choose the right cut of pork. Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is the best cut for carnitas because it is fatty and flavorful. It will also hold up well to the long cooking time.
- Brown the pork before braising it. This will help to develop the flavor and create a crispy crust.
- Use a flavorful braising liquid. The braising liquid is what will give the carnitas their flavor, so make sure to use a flavorful one. Some good options include chicken broth, beef broth, or a combination of the two. You can also add some spices, herbs, and vegetables to the braising liquid for extra flavor.
- Cook the carnitas until they are fall-apart tender. This will usually take about 2-3 hours, but it may vary depending on the cut of pork and the size of the pieces.
- Serve the carnitas with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, cilantro, and sour cream.
Conclusion:
Pork carnitas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They are perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or simply as a main course with your favorite sides. The cilantro-tomatillo sauce is a refreshing and flavorful addition to the carnitas, and it helps to balance out the richness of the pork. This recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love