What should I make for dinner tonight? This might just be the number one question that we ask ourselves almost daily over here.
Then you have come to the right place, we have rounded up 15 authentic carnitas that we have shared over the years.
Plus, there is such a variety of flavours in these recipes, so you are sure to find something for you. Most of these recipes are quick and easy ones made especially for busy weeknights.
15 Authentic Carnitas
Authentic Carnitas Recipe + Video
Carnitas ~ Mexican Braised Pork
Carnitas Michoacanas
Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
Traditional Carnitas (Mexican Pork Confit)
Authentic Pork Carnitas – Mexican Slow Cooked Pulled Pork
Authentic Mexican Pork Carnitas Recipe Card
Authentic Carnitas Recipe
Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
Authentic Mexican Carnitas Recipe
Easy Carnitas Recipe
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos
Dutch Oven Carnitas (Authentic Mexican Carnitas)
What are Mexican carnitas made of?
What makes a carnita?
Carnitas are the Mexican version of pulled pork. It’s traditionally made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) because of the higher fat content, which helps the meat stay super tender and juicy while it’s cooked.
How are carnitas traditionally served?
Traditionally Carnitas are served in small corn tortillas (although I like flour best) and usually topped with chopped white onion, cilantro, tomatillo salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Why do you add milk to carnitas?
The milk acts as a tenderizer, a secret I learned while growing up watching dad make his carnitas which, by the way, were always exceptionally tender. The beer gives the pork another layer of flavor, while the cinnamon, which pairs so well with pork, adds warm, earthy tones.
Why do you put orange juice in carnitas?
The secret to Carnitas is in the sauce!
The citrus in the sauce helps break down the meat so that it becomes super tender, This sauce also adds a brightness to the flavor of the meat. I like to use orange juice and lime juice.
What is pastor tacos made of?
Al Pastor meat is taken from boneless pork shoulder. Although the cooking style is identical to that of the Lebanese shawarma with its vertical spit-roasting method, the meat is completely different from lamb. Pork shoulder is slow-cooked to keep its tenderness while it is thinly sliced off the spinning spit-roast.
Is carne asada and carnitas the same thing?
Carne asada: Grilled meat, usually beef, sliced thin. Carnitas: Literally “little meats.” Usually pork butt simmered and fried in its own fat.
Are carnitas and pulled pork the same?
Pulled pork is meat from a pig (typically from the shoulder region) that has been slow-cooked until it’s easy enough to shred, whereas carnitas (meaning “little meats”) is a version of pulled pork that’s often fixed with Mexican spices (or simply salt).
What toppings do you put on carnitas?
What Toppings Go on Carnitas Tacos?
- finely chopped raw white onion or red onion.
- thinly sliced jalapeno.
- shredded cabbage.
- chopped fresh cilantro.
- crumbled cotija or shredded jack cheese.
- lime wedges (Squeeze fresh lime juice right over the top of your tacos for that citrusy zing!)
- Mexican crema or sour cream.
- Guacamole.
What is al pastor vs carnitas?
What is the difference between carnitas and al pastor? Carnitas and al pastor both use pork, but the cooking preparations and flavors are quite different. Carnitas are usually braised in liquid or fat. Al pastor is marinated, then grilled and utilizes pineapple to provide a tangy flavor.
What’s the difference between carnitas and tacos?
Even though they’re both made with pig, carnitas tacos and al pastor tacos are two of the most popular taco fillings available, and even though they’re both made with pork, there are some significant variations between them. Carnitas is made with a pork shoulder as the base (via PopSugar ).














