Best 6 Chipotle Carnitas Recipes

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Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish, is known for its tender, flavorful pork. Chipotle carnitas takes this classic recipe to a new level by adding the smoky, spicy flavor of chipotle peppers for a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect chipotle carnitas, whether you prefer to slow-cook them in a Dutch oven or opt for the convenience of a crock pot. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family with this exceptional recipe.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SLOW-COOKER CHIPOTLE BEEF CARNITAS



Slow-Cooker Chipotle Beef Carnitas image

I came up with this recipe while trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. Now I keep the rub in a plastic bag, ready and waiting in my cupboard, and I can get the roast in the slow cooker in less than 15 minutes. -Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 8h40m

Yield 16 servings plus 1/4 cup leftover spice mixture.

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds)
2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
3 poblano peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
16 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
3 cups crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional toppings: cubed avocado, sour cream and minced fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Mix the first nine ingredients. Cut roast in half; rub with 1/4 cup spice mixture. Cover and store remaining mixture in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year., Place onions and peppers in a 4-qt. slow cooker. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown roast on all sides. Transfer meat and drippings to slow cooker. Top with salsa. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, 8-10 hours., Remove roast; shred with two forks. Skim fat from cooking juices. Return meat to slow cooker; heat through. Using a slotted spoon, place 1/2 cup meat mixture on each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese. Add toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415 calories, Fat 18g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 830mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

LIME-CHIPOTLE CARNITAS TOSTADAS



Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas image

Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. -Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 10h28m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup chicken broth
4 teaspoons ground chipotle pepper
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 boneless pork shoulder roast (4 to 5 pounds), halved
1 large onion, peeled and halved
8 garlic cloves, peeled
1 to 2 limes, halved
16 tostada shells
Optional toppings: Warmed refried beans, salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco and minced fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

Steps:

  • Add broth to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Mix seasonings; rub over all sides of pork. Place in slow cooker. Add onion and garlic cloves. Cook, covered, on low 8-10 hours, until meat is tender., Remove pork; cool slightly. Strain cooking juices, reserving garlic cloves; discard onion. Skim fat from cooking juices. Mash garlic with a fork. Shred pork with 2 forks. , Return cooking juices, garlic and pork to slow cooker. Squeeze lime juice over pork; heat through, stirring to combine. Layer tostada shells with pork mixture and toppings as desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 76mg cholesterol, Sodium 279mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHIPOTLE CARNITAS



Chipotle Carnitas image

Haven't tried this yet but believe it may be the Chipotle Carnitas recipe which is to die for. Will be trying soon. Braised Pork Shoulder with Tomatoes, Cumin, Cloves and Chipotle Peppers Adapted from the Niman Ranch Cookbook

Provided by Winks 5

Categories     Pork

Time 5h

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 lbs pork shoulder or 3 lbs chuck roast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon cumin seed, crushed slightly
1 onion, cut in half then chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 sprigs fresh oregano (can substitute dried, about 1/2 tsp?)
2 whole cloves
1 -2 bay leaf
2 chipotle peppers
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1/4 cup water or 1/4 cup meat stock
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Rub some salt and pepper on the pork shoulder (or beef if you're using that).
  • In a dutch oven heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it is browned. Remove the pork and set aside for now.
  • Add the cumin seeds to the pan and toast in the hot oil until fragrant. Add the chopped onions and saute until lightly browned on the edges. Then add the garlic and chopped chipotle peppers and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the whole can of tomatoes including the liquid, bay leaves, dried oregano, cloves, chicken stock or some water and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the pork back to the pan and bring the contents up to a boil then lower to a bare simmer. Braise until the pork is fall-apart tender, about 3 - 4 hours (or 6 hours in a slow cooker). You can braise on the stovetop on a low heat setting, in the oven at 325 deg F, or in a slow cooker.
  • The meat is done when it is fall-apart tender. Try your best to remove it in one piece and set aside. Remove the cloves, bay leaves, and oregano sprig (if you used the sprigs) from the braising liquid. Then using an immersion blender puree into a sauce. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stovetop until it has reduced a little. Meanwhile, using two forks, shred the pork shoulder. Return the shredded meat to the simmering sauce. Let it heat through and soak up all the flavor and juices.

CARNITAS EGGS BENEDICT WITH CHIPOTLE HOLLANDAISE



Carnitas Eggs Benedict with Chipotle Hollandaise image

Don't know what to make with your leftover carnitas? Turn it into a savory breakfast with a Mexican twist that is sure to satisfy your guests. Garnish with cilantro and pickled red onion, if desired.

Provided by France C

Categories     100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes     Eggs     Breakfast Sandwich Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

¾ pound carnitas (cooked pulled pork)
4 English muffins, split
3 avocados, pitted and peeled
½ lime, juiced
salt to taste
½ cup salted butter
1 (.9 ounce) package hollandaise sauce mix (such as Knorr®)
1 cup milk
½ teaspoon chipotle powder
1 tablespoon white vinegar
8 large eggs

Steps:

  • Set 1 oven rack in the middle and another rack about 6 inches from the top. Preheat the oven's broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Place carnitas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Place on the top rack under the preheated broiler and reheat until edges of carnitas are crispy, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, toast English muffin halves. Remove from toaster and wrap in aluminum foil.
  • Remove carnitas from the oven and cover with aluminum foil. Turn off the broiler and preheat oven to the lowest setting.
  • Return carnitas and English muffins to the oven to keep warm until needed.
  • Combine avocados, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl. Roughly smash to combine and set aside.
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in hollandaise sauce mix until blended. Remove from heat. Gradually whisk in milk. Return to the stove, add chipotle powder, and whisk constantly over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking frequently, for 1 minute. Keep sauce warm while you prepare eggs.
  • Heat 2 to 3 inches water in a large, shallow saucepan until boiling. Add vinegar and lower heat to a light simmer. Crack 1 egg into a small ramekin. Lower the ramekin to the surface of the water and ease the egg out into the pan. Repeat with remaining eggs, poaching up to 4 at a time. Poach eggs until whites are completely set and yolks are slightly soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove eggs from the pan with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining eggs.
  • Place 2 English muffin halves on each plate. Top each half with avocado, carnitas, and 1 egg, then drizzle with hollandaise sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 917.3 calories, Carbohydrate 51.2 g, Cholesterol 496 mg, Fat 64.2 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 39.3 g, SaturatedFat 25 g, Sodium 1338.2 mg, Sugar 4.8 g

TAMARIND CHIPOTLE-RUBBED CARNITAS TORTAS



Tamarind Chipotle-Rubbed Carnitas Tortas image

Provided by Eric Greenspan

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 pounds boneless pork butt
3 ounces tamarind paste
2 ounces brown sugar
1 ounce canned chipotle chiles
2 cups orange juice
One 12.5-ounce bottle tamarind soda, such as Jarritos
1/2 pound lard
One 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons lard
1 cup mayonnaise
4 telera rolls, split
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 avocados, sliced
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
Vegetable oil, for toasting sandwiches

Steps:

  • For the carnitas: Cut the pork into 2-inch cubes and set aside. Add the tamarind paste, brown sugar and chipotles to a blender and puree until smooth. Rub the pork cubes with the marinade, then place in a pressure cooker along with the orange juice, tamarind soda and lard. Lock the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer's instructions and set to pressure cook on high for 1 hour. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for releasing the pressure, then let sit for 15 minutes. Remove the pork and let cool slightly, then shred with two forks.
  • For the black beans: Fry the black beans in a saucepan with the lard, then transfer to a blender and pulse until coarsely blended.
  • To serve: Spread a spoonful of mayonnaise on each roll, then add some refried beans on the bottom half of each. Top with the shredded carnitas, red onion, avocado, cilantro leaves and the top half of the roll.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of vegetable oil. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and use another cast-iron skillet to weigh down the sandwiches until crispy on the first side, about 2 minutes. Flip and repeat, about 2 minutes more.

CARNITAS TACOS WITH CHIPOTLE CREAM RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Carnitas Tacos with Chipotle Cream Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by á-167595

Number Of Ingredients 26

For the quick pickled onions and jalapenos:
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/4 cup water
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 jalapeno, sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
For the chipotle cream:
2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo, finely minced
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon lime juice
For the carnitas:
1 (4-5 lb) lean boneless pork roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 3" chunks
1 tablespoon oil
12 oz beer
1 large white onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 chipotle in adobo, from can, chopped, plus 1 teaspoon sauce
2 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
For the tacos:
12-16 corn tortillas, toasted
Cotija cheese, for topping
Cilantro, for topping

Steps:

  • Start by making the pickled onions and jalapenos. Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl and whisk until the sugar and salt dissolve. Put the onion and jalapeno in a sealable container and pour over the vinegar mixture. Let sit at room temperature while you prepare the cream and pork. In a small, sealable container, combine the sour cream, chipotles, and lime juice. Mix well and taste-- add more adobo sauce if you like yours spicier, or more sour cream if you'd like to tame the heat. Cover and refrigerate. In a large skillet over high heat, heat the oil. When hot, add in the pork and sear until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Place the pork in the bottom of the crock pot. Add in the onion, beer, chipotle, garlic, and seasonings, and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Put the pickled onions and jalapenos in the refrigerator. After 6 hours, check your pork. When it easily shreds with a fork, it is ready to be removed from the broth and shredded. Preheat the broiler and prepare two baking sheets with aluminum foil. Scatter the pork around the baking sheets and ladle about ¼ cup of the broth over each sheet of pork. Place one sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, then toss the pork and ladle another ¼ cup of broth over. Broil once more, until crispy but not overcooked, and then ladle another ¼ cup broth over the pork. Repeat with the second sheet. When the pork is done, serve it in toasted corn tortillas (I like to use 2 corn tortillas per taco to keep in all of the juices) with the chipotle cream and pickled onions and jalapenos. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro.

Tips:

  • Buy the best quality pork shoulder you can find. Look for meat that is well-marbled, as this will result in more flavorful carnitas.
  • Use a slow cooker to cook the carnitas. This will allow the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender, fall-apart carnitas.
  • Add plenty of spices and seasonings to the carnitas. This will give the meat a delicious flavor.
  • Cook the carnitas until they are fall-apart tender. This will take about 8 hours on low in a slow cooker.
  • Serve the carnitas with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include corn tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Conclusion:

Chipotle carnitas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you are serving them as tacos, burritos, or nachos, these carnitas are sure to be a hit. So next time you are looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal, give chipotle carnitas a try.

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