This is a round up of recipes I have posted using leftover Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork). I will continually update this post when I share more recipes made using Pork Carnitas.
Pork Carnitas are a brilliant standby to have in the freezer for quick midweek meals. Not only are they are ridiculously tasty and versatile, and they freeze well.
My Pork Carnitas recipe is very easy but so full of flavour. It is made in a slow cooker and it takes only 5 minutes to prepare, then just set and forget. Then I divide them into servings size ziplock bags and pop them in the freezer. To use, I simply defrost, then I always, always flash fry them in a frying pan with a little oil to make them golden and crispy, just like you see in the photo above. There is no shortcut for this – the caramelisation does wonders for the flavour. And you simply cannot achieve the same flavour by grilling/broiling or baking. Plus if you grill or bake it, you lose moisture which defeats the purpose of slow cooking which makes this meat incredibly juicy.
After sharing my Pork Carnitas recipe, I shared a few quick fix recipes using the pork carnitas. So I thought it would be useful to do a post rounding these up. Just click on the recipe name or image and it will take you right to the recipe. Hope you enjoy!
Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork) – an easy “set and forget” version, and the secret to keeping the pork incredibly juicy whilst getting perfect brunch bits.
Pulled Pork Enchiladas – made using pork carnitas, these take a mere 15 minutes to assemble.
Baked Mexican Spring Rolls – stuffed with Pork Carnitas and the flavours of Mexico, it’s a good thing these are baked so you won’t feel as guilty when you eat a dozen in one sitting.
Quick Pork Carnitas Tacos – brilliant for a midweek meal, you can pull this spread together in 15 minutes using leftover Pork Carnitas.
Express Taco Soup with Pulled Pork – using Pork Carnitas, you can whip up this soup in a mere 15 minutes. It’s like having a taco in a bowl!
Hello Nagi,
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I have been looking for a Carnitas Recipe for a while. I made this for the first time, it was simple with ingredients that I already had in my kitchen (except for the meat), using my crockpot (convenient, not warming up the kitchen for hours). It was delicious. The carnitas was juicy & soft, just shredded with the fork. Made some tacos. My family really liked it! Still have some leftover, might make some taquitos or torta with black beans, queso fresco, yum yum!! Thank you very much!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them Azucena, this is one of my favourite recipes!!! N x
Hi Nagi, once again love your recipes, with this one can I cook day before? Do I shred day before and brown on the day? Have about 40 people coming just want to be organised. Many thanks
Hi Janet, yes you can definitely cook the day before. Refrigerate and reserve the liquid then brown on the day before serving. Enjoy! – N x
This is the bomb! I’m currently I’m england making it for my parents, having raved about it in Australia. Thanks Nagi 😀
LOVE HEARING THAT!!
Hi Nagi – Just wondering if you have a go-to taco sauce for your carnitas? I saw that you mentioned a chipotle sauce with the blog after the Oz food show, but haven’t been able to find your recipe!? Maybe I’m just blind?!! Getting ready to make a spread featuring your carnitas and Mexican fried rice tomorrow with friends and family for a summer evening get together! Can’t wait! So happy to have a recipe not as intense as al Pastor! xx – Debi
Hi Debi!! You aren’t getting blind, my recipes probably aren’t organised enough! Here’s a post on Mexican Fiesta options – did you see this? It’s got a list of suggested sauces and toppings 🙂 https://www.recipetineats.com/mexican-fiesta-menu/
I have shared this carnitas recipe with several friends, all to rave reviews. Quick to put together, and those seared Carnitas! Oh my, so yummy. My wife always orders Carnitas at Mexican restaurants, and she says she has never had Carnitas as good as this recipe. Thanks for a great recipe!
You’re most welcome! Thank you for trying it – and I’m so pleased you enjoy it so much!
Would this work good in a Cuban sandwich as well?
Oooh YES! What a sandwich!!!
Going to try your recipe Pork Carnitas ☺ going to use my Instant Pot Pressuer Cooker, do i cook it (high pressuer) for 1 hour & 30 minutes
Hi Rachel! Yes if you use the pressure cooker function them please follow the pressure cooker directions in the recipe! 🙂
HI,
I cooked my pork in the oven and it was about 2 pounds bigger so I cooked it an hour longer before uncovering. It wasn’t falling off the bone but I was running out of time. So I cut it into pieces and put it back in the oven uncovered. Your recipe and notes don’t speciify at this point whether the meat should be shredded first before cooking uncovered. I think that was what you meant but I am just baking it some more and hoping to shred it soon. Wish me luck…I would love a reply.
Hi Ingrid! The pork should be cooked, then shredded before browning in the skillet. I do hope it worked and that you LOVE IT!!! N x