Pork Carnitas Recipe
Overview
Pork Carnitas are a classic Mexican dish known for their tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for stuffing tacos. This recipe from “The Well-Filled Tortilla” emphasizes deep, rich flavors without overwhelming spiciness, making it a versatile option for any taco lover. With a total time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, including 3 hours of cooking time, this recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless pork, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup salt
- 12 flour tortillas (for serving)
- 1 cup chopped tomato
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 611.6
- Total Fat: 25.8g
- Saturated Fat: 8.2g
- Cholesterol: 76mg
- Sodium: 836.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 59.4g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Sugar: 2.3g
- Protein: 31.1g
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork into 1/2 inch cubes. |
| 2 | Cooking Base: In a large stock pot, combine the pork cubes with garlic, oregano, bay leaf, dry white wine, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. |
| 3 | Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. |
| 4 | Add Water: After 2 hours, remove the cover and add 1/2 cup of water to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the pork is very soft and easily shreds apart. Be attentive to prevent burning. |
| 5 | Shred the Meat: Once the pork is tender, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Using a fork or tongs, vigorously stir and shred the meat in the pot until desired consistency is achieved. |
| 6 | Serve: Warm the flour tortillas. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the shredded pork carnitas. Top with chopped tomatoes and any other desired toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy! |
Tips for Serving
- Toppings: Enhance your tacos with fresh toppings like diced onions, cilantro, shredded lettuce, or a squeeze of lime juice for added zest.
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside traditional Mexican sides such as refried beans, Mexican rice, or a crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
Recipe Notes
- Flavor Enhancement: For those who prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking.
- Storage: Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Pork Carnitas are a delightful choice for gatherings or family dinners, offering robust flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the process of slow cooking and savoring this Mexican favorite right at home! 🌮
