Best 4 Quick Cook Carnitas Recipes

Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish, is a delectable culinary creation made from tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder or butt. Originating in the state of Michoacan, carnitas is characterized by the meltingly soft and succulent meat that is infused with an array of tantalizing flavors. It is typically braised in a combination of spices, herbs, and citrus juices, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that can be enjoyed in various forms, from tacos and burritos to tortas and enchiladas.

In this article, we present a collection of carnitas recipes that cater to different preferences and dietary requirements. We start with a traditional Carnitas Michoacan recipe that uses simple ingredients to create an authentic Mexican flavor. For those who prefer a quicker option, we have a Quick-Cook Carnitas recipe that delivers tender and flavorful carnitas in a fraction of the time. Additionally, we include a Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe that allows you to effortlessly prepare this dish while you're busy with other tasks.

For those with dietary restrictions, we offer a Vegetarian Carnitas recipe that uses jackfruit as a meat substitute, providing a plant-based alternative with a texture that closely resembles pulled pork. For those following a ketogenic diet, we have a Keto Carnitas recipe that utilizes low-carb ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful meal. Lastly, for a unique twist on this classic dish, we present a Carnitas Verde recipe that incorporates a vibrant green salsa made with tomatillos and cilantro, adding a refreshing and tangy dimension to the traditional carnitas flavors.

With this comprehensive collection of carnitas recipes, you'll find the perfect variation to suit your taste buds and dietary needs. Embark on a culinary adventure and experience the delightful flavors of carnitas, a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SIMPLE CARNITAS

Simple Carnitas image

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

Ingredients

1 (3 1/2) pound boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2 inch chunks
2 oranges, quartered
1 large white onion, quartered
6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
¼ cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves

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

Carnitas image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 6h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 poblano peppers, seeded and sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 4 1/2-pound bone-in pork shoulder
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 jalapeno peppers, sliced
2 limes, zested and juiced
1 orange, zested and juiced
For serving: corn tortillas, sliced radishes, pickled jalapeno slices, pico de gallo, hot sauce, lime wedges and fresh cilantro leaves

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
Put the poblano and onion slices in the bottom of a heavy pot. Mix the cayenne, cumin and a pinch of salt and pepper together in a bowl, then use the mixture to season the pork shoulder. Put the pork on top of the vegetables. Add the chicken broth, jalapeno slices, lime zest and juice and orange zest and juice. Cover and cook until tender, 4 to 5 hours.
Turn the heat up to 450 degrees F, remove the lid and cook until the surface crisps slightly, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pork to a board and let it rest until cool enough to handle, then remove the fat and shred the meat with 2 forks.
Strain the vegetables from the sauce and set aside. Put the meat in serving dish, add the vegetables and pour over some of the sauce.
Serve the shredded pork with warm corn tortillas, radishes, pickled jalapenos, pico de gallo, hot sauce, lime wedges and cilantro leaves.

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

Ingredients

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 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

Ingredients

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:

Choosing the right cut of pork is crucial for tender and flavorful carnitas. Pork shoulder or pork butt roast is the ideal choice due to its marbling, which results in succulent and juicy meat after cooking.
Using a slow cooker or Dutch oven allows for hands-off cooking, making the process effortless. The extended cooking time ensures fall-off-the-bone tenderness while infusing the meat with a rich and savory flavor.
Adding a blend of spices and seasonings to the pork before cooking elevates the taste and creates an aromatic dish. Common spices include cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. You can also add a touch of orange juice or citrus zest for a refreshing twist.
Carnitas can be served in various ways. Shred it and serve in tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. You can also enjoy it as a main course with rice, beans, and a side of guacamole or salsa.

Conclusion:

Carnitas is a versatile and delectable dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender, flavorful meat and endless serving options, it's a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and let the tantalizing aroma of carnitas fill your home!