47+ Carnitas Recipes

Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish, is a must-try for all foodies. This flavorful dish is made with pork, slow-cooked until tender and crispy. The name “carnitas” literally means “little meats,” and it is an accurate description of the small, succulent pieces of pork that make up this dish. Carnitas is a popular dish that originated in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, and it has since become a beloved dish throughout the country – and is popular in the United States and other countries too. 

What are Carnitas?

Carnitas are made from pork that is slowly cooked until it becomes tender and flavorful. The meat is typically braised or simmered in lard, which gives it a crispy texture on the outside while remaining succulent on the inside. 

The meat is then shredded and served with tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and other toppings.

What Type of Meat is Used in Carnitas?

The traditional meat used in carnitas is pork shoulder or butt. This is because these cuts of meat have a good amount of fat, which is important in keeping the meat moist and tender during the slow-cooking process. Other cuts, such as pork belly, can also be used, depending on the recipe.

What’s the difference: Carnitas vs Barbacoa?

Carnitas and barbacoa are both popular Mexican dishes made with meat, but there are some key differences. Carnitas are made with pork, while barbacoa is made with beef, lamb, or goat. Barbacoa is also typically cooked using an underground oven, while carnitas are cooked on the stovetop or in the oven.

What Part of the Cow is Carnitas?

As mentioned earlier, carnitas are usually made from pork, not beef. The traditional cut of pork used in carnitas is the shoulder or butt, which has a good amount of fat and connective tissue, making it perfect for slow cooking.

What Should Carnitas Taste Like?

Carnitas should be tender and juicy on the inside, with a crispy, caramelized exterior. It should have a slightly sweet and savory taste. This is thanks to both the cooking method and the preparation. The meat should be richly flavored with a combination of spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder. It’s also common to add citrus juice (such as orange or lime) to the meat for a tangy flavor.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for carnitas?

A: While pork is the traditional meat used in carnitas, you can experiment with other meats such as beef or chicken. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and method may need to be adjusted depending on the type of meat you use.

Q: How do I make sure my carnitas are crispy?

A: To get crispy carnitas, it’s important to let the meat cook long enough to create a caramelized crust on the outside. Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even cooking and use a high temperature at the end to crisp up the meat.

Q: Can I make carnitas in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make carnitas in a slow cooker. However, the texture may not be as crispy as when cooked in a traditional stovetop or oven method. To get a crispy texture, you can broil the meat in the oven for a few minutes after cooking in the slow cooker.

Q: Is carnitas a healthy dish?

A: While carnitas are high in protein, they can be high in fat and calories due to the cooking method. To make a healthier version, you can use a leaner cut of pork, such as tenderloin. Another way to make carnitas healthier is to avoid frying the pork in lard. 

Instead, you can roast the pork in the oven or use a slow cooker to cook the meat without any added fat. You can also use vegetable oil or a healthier fat such as avocado oil to cook the pork.