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
- 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.
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chunks of pork from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Add the pork to the pot and sear each side until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the seared pork.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- 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
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces.
- Heat the flour tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave until they are warm and pliable.
- Place a generous amount of the shredded carnitas onto the center of each tortilla.
- Add your choice of burrito fillings, such as rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and guacamole.
- 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!