17 Mexican Carnitas Recipe Oven Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Carnitas, a classic Mexican dish, is a must-try for all food lovers. This succulent and flavorful pork dish has been around for centuries and is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, carnitas are made by simmering pork in lard until it becomes tender and crispy. However, with the rise of health-consciousness and the popularity of oven cooking, there is now a delicious oven-baked version of this beloved dish. In this article, we will share a professional and well-organized recipe for making mexican carnitas in the oven so you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own home.
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Cold Water, White Onion, Orange, Lard
Carnitas is a classic Mexican dish that is loved by many for its rich and bold flavors. This dish is made by braising pork in a flavorful liquid until it is tender and then shredding it into small pieces. It can be served in many different ways, making it a versatile and delicious meal for any occasion.
For an authentic taste, it's important to use traditional Mexican ingredients such as achiote paste and orange juice in your carnitas recipe. These ingredients add a unique depth of flavor and give the dish a beautiful color. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own signature carnitas recipe.
While carnitas is a classic Mexican dish, there are many variations of the recipe that have been adapted over the years. Some recipes call for marinating the pork before cooking, while others use different cuts of meat. No matter what recipe you choose, the end result is always a delicious and satisfying meal.
To make authentic Mexican carnitas, you will need to braise the pork in a mixture of orange juice, achiote paste, garlic, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, and salt. This creates a flavorful and tender meat that is perfect for shredding. After braising, the pork can be finished off in the oven or on the stovetop to get a crispy and caramelized exterior.
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Slow Cooked Mexican Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Orange Peel, Garlic, Onion, Crushed Red
If you don't have time to tend to the stove, you can also make carnitas in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours. The result will be perfectly tender and flavorful carnitas that are ready to be shredded and served.
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Mexican Carnitas Cobb Salad
Main Ingredients: Chili Powder, Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder
For a twist on the traditional carnitas recipe, try making a Mexican Carnitas Cobb Salad. This dish combines all the flavors of carnitas with fresh greens, avocado, tomatoes, and queso fresco cheese. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a hot summer day.
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Slow Cooker Mexican Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck Roast, Salt, Black Pepper, Olive
Another great way to make carnitas is in a slow cooker. This method requires minimal effort and results in a tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or even nachos. Simply place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Pork carnitas can be served in many different ways, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various meals. You can serve it on top of rice, in a tortilla, or even on a bed of lettuce. The options are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative and try different serving ideas.
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Salt, Pepper, Ground Cumin, Onion, Bay
This authentic pork carnitas recipe is a must-try for any Mexican food lover. The combination of achiote paste, orange juice, and garlic creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. It's perfect for a family dinner or for entertaining guests.
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Pork Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Salt, Pepper, Ground Cumin, Onions, Bay
If you're short on time, you can also make carnitas using a pressure cooker. The result is still tender and flavorful meat, but it takes a fraction of the time. Simply cook the pork in a mixture of orange juice, garlic, and achiote paste in the pressure cooker for about an hour, and you'll have delicious carnitas ready to be shredded and served.
For a twist on traditional pulled pork, try making Mexican pulled pork, also known as carnitas. The combination of orange juice, achiote paste, and garlic gives this dish a unique and delicious flavor that will have your taste buds begging for more. Serve it on a bun or in a tortilla for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Mexican Pork Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and carnitas make a perfect filling for them. Simply top your tortillas with shredded pork, guacamole, pico de gallo, and crumbled queso fresco for a flavorful and satisfying meal. You can also add toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or cilantro for extra flavor.
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Mexican Street Tacos- Carnitas!
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Sea Salt, Cumin, Ancho Chili Powder
Street tacos are a popular Mexican street food that is loved by many. These small and simple tacos are packed with flavor and are perfect for a quick and easy meal. For the filling, use tender and flavorful carnitas and top them with fresh cilantro, onions, and salsa for an authentic taste.
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Mexican Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Lime Juice, Coarse Sea Salt, Ground
If you're looking for an easy and delicious meal, try making Mexican slow cooker pork carnitas tacos. Simply combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours. The result will be tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or even quesadillas.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas)
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano
Making carnitas in a slow cooker is a great way to save time and effort. The result is still tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for any Mexican dish. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours, and you'll have delicious carnitas ready to be shredded and served.
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Mexican Carnitas Tacos {Electric Pressure Cooker}
Main Ingredients: Salt, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano
If you have an electric pressure cooker, you can make carnitas in a fraction of the time. Simply cook the pork in a mixture of orange juice, achiote paste, and garlic for about an hour, and you'll have perfectly tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for tacos.
For a twist on traditional cornbread, try making Mexican cornbread. This dish combines the flavors of cornbread with jalepenos, cheese, and corn for a spicy and delicious side dish. Serve it alongside your carnitas for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Roast, Fine Sea Salt, Freshly Cracked Black
The Instant Pot is another great tool for making carnitas in a fraction of the time. Simply cook the pork in a mixture of orange juice, achiote paste, and garlic for about an hour, and then finish it off in the oven or on the stovetop to get a crispy and caramelized exterior. Serve it in tacos or on top of rice for a delicious and easy meal.
No Mexican meal is complete without a side of Mexican rice. This flavorful and colorful dish is the perfect accompaniment to carnitas. It can be made with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a tasty and nutritious side dish.
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Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Sea Salt, Vegetable Oil, Water, Cinnamon
Carnitas is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer it in tacos, on top of rice, or in a salad, there is no denying the irresistible flavors of this classic Mexican dish. So gather your ingredients and get ready to make your own delicious and authentic carnitas at home.
The Perfect Cut of Meat for Carnitas
To make the best mexican carnitas in the oven, it is important to start with the right cut of meat. The traditional choice for carnitas is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt. This cut of meat has the perfect balance of fat and meat, making it ideal for slow cooking. If you cannot find pork shoulder, you can also use pork butt or picnic shoulder. Just make sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking.
Marinating the Meat
To infuse the meat with flavor, it is essential to marinate it before cooking. In a large bowl, mix together orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt. Add the trimmed pork pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the pork to absorb all the flavors and become tender.
The Oven Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork pieces and brown them on all sides. This will help seal in the flavors and create a crispy exterior.
Once the pork is browned, add chicken broth to the pot, just enough to cover the meat. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the oven. Let the pork cook for about 2-3 hours, until it is fork-tender and falls apart easily.
Finishing Touches
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the shredded pork. Cook for a few minutes, until the edges become crispy.
Your mexican carnitas in the oven are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with warm tortillas, cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a truly authentic Mexican experience.
In conclusion, making mexican carnitas in the oven is a simple and delicious alternative to the traditional lard-cooked method. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can recreate this classic Mexican dish in your own kitchen. So next time you're craving carnitas, skip the takeout and try this homemade version for a truly satisfying meal.
