If you’re a fan of Mexican food, then you’ve probably had carnitas before. But what exactly are they? And how are they made? Here’s everything you need to know about carnitas.
What is a carnitas plate
A carnitas plate is a dish that is typically made with pork that has been slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy. The pork is then shredded and served with tortillas, beans, salsa, and other toppings. Carnitas is a popular dish in Mexico and is often served as street food.
Where can I find a good carnitas plate
When it comes to finding a good carnitas plate, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the carnitas is cooked properly. This means that it should be juicy and full of flavor. Second, you want to find a plate that comes with all the fixings. This includes rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole. Lastly, you want to find a place that serves carnitas plates at a reasonable price.
With that said, here are a few places you can find good carnitas plates:
1. Los Angeles – If you’re looking for good carnitas plates in Los Angeles, then you need to head to Olvera Street. This is where you’ll find some of the best carnitas in the city.
2. San Francisco – Another great city for finding good carnitas plates is San Francisco. There are many Mexican restaurants in the city that serve up delicious carnitas plates.
3. New York City – If you’re in New York City, then you can find good carnitas plates at any of the many taquerias dotting the cityscape.
4. Chicago – You can also find good carnitas plates in Chicago if you know where to look. There are a few Mexican restaurants in the Windy City that serve up some of the best carnitas around.
5. Houston – And last but not least, if you’re in Houston, then you can find good carnitas plates at any number of Tex-Mex restaurants.
So there you have it! These are just a few of the many places you can find good carnitas plates. So get out there and start exploring!
How do you make carnitas
How do you make carnitas?
It’s not as hard as you might think! With a little bit of patience and the right ingredients, you can easily make carnitas that are just as good – if not better – than what you’ll find at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 3-4 lbs. boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, diced
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
To make the carnitas, start by heating the oven to 325 degrees F. Then, in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder pieces and cook until they’re browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
Next, add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until they’re softened. Then, stir in the chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt and pepper. Return the pork to the pot and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover it and transfer it to the oven.
Let the carnitas cook in the oven for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender. Once it’s cooked through, remove the pot from the oven and let the carnitas cool slightly. Then, using a fork or your hands, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. (You can also chop it into smaller pieces if you prefer.)
Serve the carnitas on soft tortillas with your favorite toppings. We like to top ours with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole and salsa. Enjoy!
What is the difference between carnitas and other Mexican dishes
When it comes to Mexican cuisine, there are a lot of different options to choose from. One of the most popular dishes is carnitas, but what exactly is the difference between carnitas and other Mexican dishes?
First of all, carnitas are made with pork that has been slow-cooked until it is incredibly tender. This means that carnitas are usually much richer and more flavorful than other Mexican dishes.
Another big difference is that carnitas are typically served with tortillas, while other Mexican dishes are often served over rice or beans. This makes carnitas a great option if you’re looking for a hearty meal that is still relatively light.
Finally, carnitas are usually garnished with fresh cilantro and lime juice before being served. This gives them a bright, fresh flavor that really sets them apart from other Mexican dishes.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious, filling meal that is packed with flavor, then carnitas are definitely the way to go. However, if you’re looking for something lighter or less rich, then you might want to try another Mexican dish.
What sides go well with carnitas
When it comes to carnitas, the options for sides are endless. Whether you’re looking for something to round out a Mexican-inspired feast or just want to mix things up at your next cookout, these dishes are sure to please.
For a traditional take on carnitas, try serving them with refried beans and rice. This classic combo is hearty and filling, making it perfect for a winter meal. If you’re looking for something lighter, pair carnitas with a simple salad of greens and diced tomatoes. The rich flavor of the carnitas will stand up well to the acidic dressing, making for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
If you’re looking to switch things up, try serving carnitas with roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables. The smoky flavors of the grilled veggies will complement the carnitas perfectly, and the potatoes will add a welcome touch of heartiness to the dish. For a truly unique twist, serve carnitas over creamy polenta. The rich meat pairs perfectly with the silky grain, making for a surprisingly elegant dish.
No matter what sides you choose, carnitas are sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill and get cooking – your friends and family will thank you!
How many calories are in a carnitas plate
When it comes to carnitas, there are a lot of different ways to enjoy this delicious dish. But no matter how you eat it, one thing is for sure – it packs a serious caloric punch!
A typical carnitas plate can easily have over 1,000 calories, and that’s before you add on any sides or toppings. So, if you’re watching your weight, you might want to think twice before digging into a big plate of carnitas.
Of course, not all carnitas are created equal. Some restaurants use leaner cuts of meat, while others load up on the fat. And, of course, how you prepare your carnitas can also make a difference.
If you’re looking to cut down on the calories, try ordering carnitas without the tortillas or rice. You can also ask for extra vegetables instead of refried beans. And, skip the sour cream and cheese – they’ll only add more calories and fat to your meal.
No matter how you enjoy your carnitas, just remember to keep an eye on the calorie count. It’s easy to go overboard when you’re eating something this delicious!
Is a carnitas plate healthy
When it comes to Mexican food, there are few dishes more delicious – or more popular – than carnitas. Originating in the state of Michoacán, carnitas are typically made by slow-cooking pork until it’s incredibly tender, then shredding it and serving it with tortillas, salsa, and other accompaniments.
But just because something is delicious doesn’t mean it’s good for you. So is a carnitas plate healthy?
The answer, unfortunately, is no. A typical carnitas plate can easily pack in over 1,000 calories, and that’s not even counting the sides. And while the shredded pork does have some protein, it’s also high in saturated fat and sodium.
So if you’re watching your weight or trying to eat healthy, you’re better off avoiding carnitas – or at least limiting yourself to a small portion. But if you do indulge, make sure to pair it with plenty of vegetables and a light side dish like black beans or grilled corn. And of course, enjoy it in moderation!
How long does it take to make a carnitas plate
Assuming you’re asking how long it takes to make a carnitas dish from scratch, the answer is quite a while. The traditional way to make carnitas is to slowly braise pork shoulder in lard until it’s fall-apart tender, then shred it and fry it in its own rendered fat until crisp.
This process can take upwards of four hours, so if you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, carnitas are probably not the way to go. That said, the hands-off cooking time means they’re perfect for a lazy weekend day, and the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) freeze beautifully.
So if you’re feeling patient and have some time on your hands, making carnitas from scratch is definitely worth the effort. Just be sure to plan ahead, as this dish is not one that can be rushed.
What tools do I need to make a carnitas plate
When it comes to making a delicious carnitas plate, there are a few key tools that you will need in order to get the job done right. First and foremost, you will need a good quality pork shoulder. This is the cut of meat that is traditionally used for carnitas, and it is important to get a nice piece that is well-marbled and not too lean.
Next, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. This will be used to trim the pork shoulder into manageable pieces that will fit into your cooking pot.
Once the pork is trimmed, it is time to start cooking. You will need a large pot or Dutch oven that can hold all of the meat. Traditionally, carnitas are cooked in lard, but you can also use vegetable oil if you prefer. Heat the oil in the pot over medium-high heat until it is hot and then add the pork pieces.
Cook the pork for several hours, turning occasionally, until it is fall-apart tender. This process can take up to four hours, so be patient.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. Allow the meat to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces using a fork or your hands.
The last step is to assemble your carnitas plate. Start by spreading some freshly made corn tortillas onto a plate. Top with carnitas, salsa, guacamole, and any other toppings that you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Can I make carnitas ahead of time
Carnitas are one of those amazing dishes that are just as good, if not better, when made ahead of time. The key to making carnitas ahead of time is all in the cooking method. Instead of frying the pork, which can be a bit of a hassle, we’re going to slow cook the pork in its own juices until it’s fall-apart tender. This method not only yields amazingly flavorful carnitas, but it also frees up your time so you can enjoy your party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
-4 lbs. boneless pork loin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
-2 onions, diced
-6 cloves garlic, minced
-2 tablespoons adobo sauce
-1 tablespoon cumin
-1 tablespoon chili powder
-1 tablespoon smoked paprika
-1 teaspoon oregano
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-2 cups chicken broth
-1/2 cup fresh lime juice
To make the carnitas, simply combine all of the ingredients in the Instant Pot or slow cooker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the pork is cooked through, shred it with a fork or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
To serve, simply reheat the carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and guacamole. Enjoy!
