The PERFECT Carnitas Burrito for Food Lovers

Collin Lawless

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ve probably heard of carnitas. These tender, juicy, and flavorful pieces of pork are a staple in Mexican cooking and make for a delicious filling in a burrito. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making a mouthwatering carnitas burrito from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds! So, grab your apron and let’s get started.

Step 1: Marinating the Pork

1. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Add the chunks of pork shoulder to the marinade and toss until each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for better flavor absorption.

Step 2: Slow Cooking the Carnitas

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Remove the chunks of pork from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Reserve the marinade for later use.
4. Add the pork to the pot and sear each side until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
5. Pour the reserved marinade over the seared pork.
6. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Slow cook the pork for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 3: Shredding and Assembling the Burrito

1. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board.
2. Using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces.
3. Heat the flour tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave until they are warm and pliable.
4. Place a generous amount of the shredded carnitas onto the center of each tortilla.
5. Add your choice of burrito fillings, such as rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and guacamole.
6. Fold the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then roll it up tightly to form a burrito.

Carnitas Burrito

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder cut into chunks
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 orange juiced
• 1 lime juiced
• Flour tortillas
• Your favorite burrito toppings e.g., rice, black beans, salsa, guacamole, cheese, sour cream

Instructions

• Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
• Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks and sear on all sides until browned.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onions are softened.
• Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pork simmer for about 2-3 hours or until it becomes tender and easily shredded.
• Once the pork is tender, shred it using two forks. Increase the heat to medium and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the shredded pork to crisp up.
• Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
• Assemble your burritos by placing a generous amount of the shredded carnitas on a tortilla and adding your favorite toppings.
• Roll up the burrito, folding in the sides as you go.
• Serve your delicious Carnitas Burritos with extra salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.

Tips for the Perfect Carnitas Burrito

• To add a crispy texture to the carnitas, you can broil them in the oven for a few minutes after shredding. This step is optional but highly recommended.
• Experiment with different fillings to personalize your burrito. You can add sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, or any other ingredients that tickle your taste buds.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or chili powder to the marinade.
• Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for future use.

With this recipe, you can recreate the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a Mexican-themed dinner party or simply craving a flavorful burrito, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a homemade carnitas burrito that will leave you craving for more!

Now that you know how to make a carnitas burrito, it’s time to get cooking. Invite your friends and family over for a Mexican feast or treat yourself to a homemade burrito that rivals your favorite restaurant. Enjoy the delicious flavors, the tender meat, and the satisfaction of creating a mouthwatering dish from scratch. Happy cooking!