Carnitas is a classic Mexican dish made from braised or roasted pork shoulder. The meat is slow-cooked until it is fall-apart tender and flavorful, and then shredded and served with tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and other toppings. Carnitas can also be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
Carnitas is a great dish for a party or potluck, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve. It's also a relatively inexpensive dish to make, as pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat.
Carnitas is typically made with a combination of seasonings and spices, including cumin, oregano, chili powder, and bay leaves. The meat is then cooked in a slow cooker or roasted in the oven until it is fall-apart tender. Once the meat is cooked, it is shredded and served with your favorite toppings.
what is carnitas
Carnitas is a classic Mexican dish made from braised or roasted pork shoulder.
- Slow-cooked pork shoulder
- Shredded and flavorful
- Served with tortillas, guacamole, salsa
- Filling for tacos, burritos, enchiladas
- Great for parties or potlucks
- Inexpensive to make
- Versatile dish
- Typically made with seasonings and spices
- Cooked until fall-apart tender
Carnitas is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Slow-cooked pork shoulder
The first step in making carnitas is to slow-cook a pork shoulder. This can be done in a slow cooker or in the oven.
- Pork shoulder:
Pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat that is perfect for slow-cooking. It is also known as pork butt or Boston butt.
- Slow-cooking:
Slow-cooking is a method of cooking that involves cooking food at a low temperature for a long period of time. This allows the meat to become very tender and flavorful.
- Seasonings:
Before slow-cooking the pork shoulder, it is typically seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. This can include cumin, oregano, chili powder, and bay leaves.
- Cooking time:
The cooking time for pork shoulder will vary depending on the size of the roast and the method of cooking. In a slow cooker, it will typically take 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. In the oven, it will typically take 4-6 hours at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the pork shoulder is cooked, it should be fall-apart tender. It can then be shredded and served with tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and other toppings.
Shredded and flavorful
Once the pork shoulder is slow-cooked, it is time to shred it. This can be done with two forks or with a meat shredder. The shredded pork should be very tender and flavorful, with a nice crispy outer layer.
The flavor of carnitas comes from the combination of spices and herbs that are used to season the pork shoulder, as well as the slow-cooking process. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and create a truly delicious and unique dish.
Carnitas can be served with a variety of toppings, including tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese. It can also be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
Carnitas is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a great dish for a party or potluck, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve.
Carnitas is a truly delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.
Served with tortillas, guacamole, salsa
Carnitas is typically served with a variety of toppings, including tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese. These toppings help to add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Tortillas:
Tortillas are thin, flatbreads that are made from corn or wheat flour. They are used to wrap carnitas and other fillings to make tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
- Guacamole:
Guacamole is a mashed avocado dip that is seasoned with lime juice, cilantro, and onions. It is a delicious and healthy topping for carnitas.
- Salsa:
Salsa is a type of sauce that is made from tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and other ingredients. It is a popular topping for carnitas and other Mexican dishes.
- Sour cream:
Sour cream is a dairy product that is made from fermented cream. It is a tangy and creamy topping that can help to balance out the flavors of carnitas.
- Cheese:
Cheese is a dairy product that is made from milk. It can be used to add flavor and texture to carnitas. Popular cheeses for carnitas include cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and queso fresco.
Carnitas can be served with any combination of these toppings. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Filling for tacos, burritos, enchiladas
Carnitas is a versatile dish that can be used as a filling for a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
To make tacos, simply fill a tortilla with carnitas and your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Then, fold the tortilla in half or roll it up and enjoy.
To make burritos, spread a layer of refried beans on a tortilla, then add carnitas and your favorite toppings. Fold the tortilla in half or roll it up and enjoy.
To make enchiladas, spread a layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Then, fill a tortilla with carnitas and your favorite toppings, roll it up, and place it in the baking dish. Repeat until all of the tortillas are filled. Cover the enchiladas with more enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Carnitas is a delicious and versatile filling for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. It is a great way to use up leftover pork shoulder, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy meal, give carnitas a try. You won't be disappointed!
Great for parties or potlucks
Carnitas is a great dish for parties or potlucks because it is easy to make ahead of time and can be served in a variety of ways.
- Easy to make ahead of time:
Carnitas can be cooked in a slow cooker or in the oven, so it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy people or for those who are hosting a party.
- Versatile:
Carnitas can be served in a variety of ways, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and nachos. This makes it a great option for parties or potlucks, as there is something for everyone to enjoy.
- Crowd-pleaser:
Carnitas is a crowd-pleaser, as it is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone. It is also a relatively inexpensive dish to make, which makes it a great option for parties or potlucks.
- Portable:
Carnitas is a portable dish, which makes it easy to transport to a party or potluck. It can be served in a slow cooker or in a chafing dish, or it can be wrapped in tortillas and served as tacos or burritos.
Carnitas is a great dish for any occasion, but it is especially well-suited for parties or potlucks. It is easy to make ahead of time, versatile, crowd-pleasing, and portable. So next time you're planning a party or potluck, consider making carnitas. You won't be disappointed!
Inexpensive to make
Carnitas is a relatively inexpensive dish to make, as pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat.
- Pork shoulder:
Pork shoulder is a large, fatty cut of meat that is located at the top of the pig's shoulder. It is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, as it is not as tender as other cuts of pork, such as pork tenderloin or pork chops.
- Slow-cooking:
Slow-cooking is a method of cooking that involves cooking food at a low temperature for a long period of time. This allows the meat to become very tender and flavorful, even though it is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat.
- Seasonings:
The seasonings that are used to flavor carnitas are also relatively inexpensive. Common seasonings include cumin, oregano, chili powder, and bay leaves.
- Other ingredients:
The other ingredients that are used to make carnitas, such as tortillas, guacamole, and salsa, are also relatively inexpensive.
Overall, carnitas is a very inexpensive dish to make. This makes it a great option for those who are on a budget or for those who are looking for a delicious and affordable meal.
Versatile dish
Carnitas is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
- Tacos:
Carnitas tacos are a classic Mexican dish. Simply fill a tortilla with carnitas and your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Then, fold the tortilla in half or roll it up and enjoy.
- Burritos:
Carnitas burritos are another popular Mexican dish. To make a carnitas burrito, spread a layer of refried beans on a tortilla, then add carnitas and your favorite toppings. Fold the tortilla in half or roll it up and enjoy.
- Enchiladas:
Carnitas enchiladas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy carnitas. To make carnitas enchiladas, spread a layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Then, fill a tortilla with carnitas and your favorite toppings, roll it up, and place it in the baking dish. Repeat until all of the tortillas are filled. Cover the enchiladas with more enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Nachos:
Carnitas nachos are a fun and easy way to enjoy carnitas. Simply spread a layer of tortilla chips on a plate, then top with carnitas and your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy.
These are just a few of the many ways to enjoy carnitas. It is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. So get creative and experiment with different ways to enjoy this delicious Mexican dish.
Typically made with seasonings and spices
Carnitas is typically made with a variety of seasonings and spices, which help to give it its unique flavor. Some of the most common seasonings and spices used to make carnitas include:
- Cumin:
Cumin is a warm, earthy spice that is commonly used in Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a slightly bitter taste, but it is also slightly sweet and nutty.
- Oregano:
Oregano is a herb that is commonly used in Italian and Mexican cuisine. It has a slightly minty, slightly sweet flavor.
- Chili powder:
Chili powder is a blend of chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and other spices. It has a spicy, smoky flavor.
- Bay leaves:
Bay leaves are the leaves of the bay laurel tree. They have a slightly bitter, slightly sweet flavor. They are often used in soups, stews, and braises.
- Garlic:
Garlic is a bulbous plant that is commonly used in cooking. It has a pungent, savory flavor.
- Onion:
Onion is a bulbous plant that is commonly used in cooking. It has a sharp, slightly sweet flavor.
- Salt:
Salt is a mineral that is used to enhance the flavor of food.
- Pepper:
Pepper is a spice that is made from the dried berries of the pepper plant. It has a sharp, spicy flavor.
These are just some of the most common seasonings and spices that are used to make carnitas. The exact combination of seasonings and spices that you use will depend on your own personal preferences.
Carnitas is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. So experiment with different seasonings and spices until you find a combination that you love.
Cooked until fall-apart tender
Carnitas is cooked until fall-apart tender, which means that the meat is so tender that it can be easily shredded with two forks.
There are two main ways to cook carnitas until fall-apart tender: in a slow cooker or in the oven.
Slow cooker:
To cook carnitas in a slow cooker, simply place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and add your desired seasonings and spices. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
Oven:
To cook carnitas in the oven, preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and add your desired seasonings and spices. Cover the roasting pan and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Once the pork shoulder is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or oven and let it cool slightly. Then, shred the meat with two forks. The shredded pork can then be used to make tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or nachos.
Carnitas is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. So experiment with different seasonings and spices until you find a combination that you love.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about carnitas:
Question 1: What is carnitas?
Answer: Carnitas is a Mexican dish made from braised or roasted pork shoulder. The meat is slow-cooked until it is fall-apart tender and flavorful, and then shredded and served with tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and other toppings.
Question 2: What is the difference between carnitas and pulled pork?
Answer: Carnitas and pulled pork are both slow-cooked pork dishes, but they have some key differences. Carnitas is typically made with pork shoulder, while pulled pork can be made with any cut of pork. Carnitas is also typically seasoned with a variety of Mexican spices, while pulled pork is often seasoned with a more traditional American barbecue rub.
Question 3: How do I make carnitas?
Answer: Carnitas can be made in a slow cooker or in the oven. To make carnitas in a slow cooker, simply place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and add your desired seasonings and spices. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. To make carnitas in the oven, preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and add your desired seasonings and spices. Cover the roasting pan and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Question 4: What are some good toppings for carnitas?
Answer: Some good toppings for carnitas include tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, onions, and cilantro.
Question 5: Can I make carnitas ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, carnitas can be made ahead of time. Simply cook the carnitas according to your desired method and then let it cool completely. Once the carnitas is cool, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Question 6: What are some other ways to use carnitas?
Answer: Carnitas can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and nachos. It can also be used as a filling for empanadas or tamales.
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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about carnitas. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Now that you know more about carnitas, here are a few tips for making the best carnitas at home:
Tips
Here are a few tips for making the best carnitas at home:
Tip 1: Choose the right cut of pork.
The best cut of pork for carnitas is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt. This cut of meat is well-marbled and has a lot of connective tissue, which helps to make the meat tender and flavorful when it is slow-cooked.
Tip 2: Use a good quality spice blend.
The spice blend that you use to season your carnitas is very important. There are many different spice blends that you can use, but some of the most common ingredients include cumin, oregano, chili powder, and bay leaves. You can also add other spices to your blend, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Tip 3: Cook the carnitas low and slow.
Carnitas is a dish that is best cooked low and slow. This allows the meat to become very tender and flavorful. You can cook carnitas in a slow cooker or in the oven. If you are cooking carnitas in a slow cooker, cook it on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. If you are cooking carnitas in the oven, preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the carnitas for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Tip 4: Shred the carnitas before serving.
Once the carnitas is cooked, it should be shredded before serving. You can shred the carnitas with two forks or with a meat shredder. Shredded carnitas can be served with tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and other toppings.
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Following these tips will help you to make the best carnitas at home. Carnitas is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. So experiment with different spice blends and toppings until you find a combination that you love.
Now that you know how to make carnitas, here are a few ideas for how to serve it:
Conclusion
Carnitas is a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is made from braised or roasted pork shoulder, which is seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. The meat is cooked until it is fall-apart tender and then shredded. Carnitas can be served with tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and other toppings.
Carnitas is a great dish for parties or potlucks, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve. It is also a relatively inexpensive dish to make, as pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat.
If you're looking for a delicious and easy Mexican dish to make at home, carnitas is a great option. It is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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So next time you're planning a party or potluck, or you're just looking for a delicious and easy meal to make at home, give carnitas a try. You won't be disappointed!