Carnitas prep step - authentic mexican food - Traditional Mexican

Carnitas

One of our very favourite MexicanĀ pork recipes isĀ carnitas tacos.Ā  Carnitas are translated as ā€œlittle meats” referring to the bite-size shape of the pork carnitas meat. There’s something so delicious about crispy and caramelised bits of pork tucked into tortillas.Ā 

Carnitas traditionally come from MichoacĆ”n, Mexico, where they’re cooked in big copper casseroles submerged in lard until very tender. Very similar to confit cooking; food is cooked slowly in a liquid over a long time.

The carnitas are served over warm tortillas with a simple garnish of finely chopped raw onion, coriander and salsa. Our pork carnitas recipe is an easy one to prepare at home, and with much less of the fat, but still every bit as delicious.




We wanted to achieve perfectly tender slow cooker pork carnitas that crisped up at the top to resemble the original version. However, it also had to have all of the lovely flavour and spiciness of our Gran Luchito Chipotle Paste.

This Mexican pork taco dish is perfect to cook in large quantities to feed a big family. You can just place it in the oven and forget about it until dinner time. It’s then served with some simple garnishes: a quick pickle, our delicious Gran Luchito Hot Habanero Mango Salsa, some floury Gran Luchito Soft Tacos or Fajita Wraps and lime wedges on the side, all ready to be enjoyed by the family!

  • Prep time

    15MINS

  • Cook time

    3HRS, 20MINS

  • Total time

    3HRS, 35MINS

  • Ideal for

    Dinner
  • Make it

    Mexican
  • Serves

    4

Nutrition: Per serving

kcal 155 fat 10g saturates 2.7g carbs 6.7g sugars 1.9g fibre 0.5g protein 9.3g salt 0.23g

How to make it

Preheat the oven to 160Ā°C / 320Ā°F.

  1. Begin by preparing a chipotle adobo for your carnitas. In a blender add the garlic cloves, Chipotle Paste, Mexican oregano, cumin, black peppercorns, olive oil, orange juice, vinegar and half of the coriander, with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend into a smooth mixture.
  2. Then in a large baking dish place the pork, add the chipotle mixture on top and mix with a spoon, making sure all the meat is well coated. Season your pork with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the remaining roughly chopped coriander scattered on top, cover your baking dish with tin foil and place it in the oven for 2 and 1/2 hours.
  3. In the meantime prepare a quick pickle by adding the carrots, spring onions, red onion, lime juice, Gran Luchito Ancho Fajita and Taco Mix and extra virgin olive oil into a bowl. Season with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix and let it rest until your carnitas are ready.
  4. After 2 1/2 hours in the oven, take your carnitas out and remove the foil. Break them slightly with a fork and mix them with the pan juices. Turn your oven temperature up to 220Ā°C / 430Ā°F and place them back in the oven for another 30 minutes, until your carnitas crisp up at the top.
  5. Meanwhile, warm up all the Gran Luchito Soft Tacos or the Fajita Wraps over a hot pan, and keep them warm, wrapped in a tea towel.
  6. Take your carnitas out of the oven and serve hot on a platter. We suggest placing your carnitas in the middle of the table, alongside the quick pickle, warm Gran Luchito Soft Taco Wraps or Fajita Wraps, Gran Luchito Hot Mango Salsa, limes and coriander. In this way, everyone can help themselves and have fun building their own carnitas tacos.
  • Chefs Tip

Ask your butcher to prepare your meat for you and to add a little bit of the fat into the mix

What To Eat With Carnitas Tacos

Here are some Mexican side dishes that would go perfectly with these carnitas tacos:

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FAQs

What are Carnitas?

Carnitas, meaning "little meats," is a beloved Mexican dish crafted through a meticulous process of braising, simmering, and frying pork in its own fat. This technique renders the meat incredibly tender and flavourful. Interestingly, the term "carnitas" is a colloquial adaptation of the French dish "Rillons de Tours." Today, carnitas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, enjoyed in tacos, burritos, and as a standalone dish.

How are Carnitas traditionally cooked?

Traditionally, Carnitas are slow-cooked in a large pot, often called a 'cazo', using lard. The pork is simmered on a low heat until it becomes tender and crispy.

What is typically served with Carnitas?

Carnitas are usually served with tortillas, salsa, cilantro, and diced onions. They can also be used as a filling in tacos, burritos, tamales or enchiladas.

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