Zesty Carnitas Fajitas Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Tantalizing aromas of slow-cooked carnitas fajitas recipe fill the kitchen with warmth and excitement.

These mouthwatering fajitas blend tender, crispy pork with vibrant peppers and onions.

Authentic Mexican flavors dance across your plate, promising a culinary adventure.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat and fresh vegetables.

Spices weave through the dish, creating a symphony of taste that will transport you straight to a bustling Mexican street market.

Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Gather your skillet and get ready to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible meal.

Equipment for Fajita Night Perfection

• Dutch oven: Heavy-bottomed pot perfect for searing and slow cooking meat.
• Microplane: Essential for finely grating fresh garlic without big chunks.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting pork into chunks and slicing vegetables.
• Cutting board: Provides safe surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure dry spices.
• Citrus juicer or reamer: Extracts fresh juice from citrus fruits.
• Tongs: Useful for turning and handling meat during searing.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix and stir ingredients.
• Broiler pan: Used for final crisping of meat and vegetables.

Carnitas Fajitas Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Pork

Cut pork into large, chunky pieces.

This allows for better seasoning absorption and even cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Blend

Grate fresh garlic using a microplane for intense flavor.

Squeeze citrus juices to add brightness.

Separately mix dry spices to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Sear and Develop Color

Heat Dutch oven on medium heat.

Brown pork chunks on all sides without adding extra oil.

This creates a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in juices.

Step 4: Infuse Seasonings

Sprinkle dry spices directly onto meat while searing.

Pour citrus juice and minced garlic over the meat to create a flavorful coating.

Step 5: Slow Roast to Perfection

Cover Dutch oven completely and transfer to preheated oven.

Roast at 325F for 3 hours without opening the lid.

This slow cooking method ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.

Step 6: Finish and Shred Meat

Remove pork from oven.

Skim excess fat from cooking liquid.

Optional: Reduce liquid on stovetop for more intense flavor.

Shred meat and return to cooking liquid to keep moist.

Step 7: Saute Vegetables

• Onions
• Bell peppers

Quickly saute in a hot pan until soft and golden brown.

Step 8: Crisp and Serve

Add shredded meat to sauteed vegetables.

Broil briefly to create crispy edges.

• Fresh cilantro
• Citrus wedges

Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Top Tips for Sizzling Carnitas Fajitas

• Cut pork into evenly sized chunks for consistent cooking and easier shredding.
• Use high heat to create a deep golden-brown crust without burning the meat.
• Cover Dutch oven tightly to trap steam and keep pork incredibly tender during slow cooking.
• Skim excess fat after cooking for a lighter, cleaner-tasting carnitas dish.
• Toast dry spices briefly before adding to meat to intensify their aromatic qualities.

Carnitas Fajita Flavor Combinations

• Chicken Carnitas: Swap pork with chicken thighs for a lighter protein option. Maintain same cooking method and seasonings for tender, flavorful meat.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Carnitas: Replace meat with young jackfruit for plant-based version. Use similar spices and cooking technique to create pulled-style texture.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer entire recipe to slow cooker instead of Dutch oven. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for equally tender meat with minimal effort.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip tortillas and serve carnitas in crisp lettuce leaves. Top with fresh salsa and avocado for added nutrition and crunch.

How to Present Fajitas at the Table

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Arrange shredded carnitas over warm tortillas, topped with sautéed peppers and onions for a colorful, restaurant-style display.
• Taco Bar Extravaganza: Set out bowls of carnitas, veggies, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and various salsas, letting guests build their own personalized fajitas.
• Fresh Side Companions: Pair with Mexican rice, black beans, or a crisp jicama salad to balance the rich, tender meat and add extra texture to the meal.
• Zesty Garnish Explosion: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, add pickled jalapeños, and squeeze lime juice over the carnitas for a bright, tangy flavor boost.

Best Storage for Leftover Carnitas Fajitas

• Store carnitas in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Package shredded meat in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Stays fresh for 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place meat in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water. Cover, heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to prevent drying.
• Warm meat in cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add splash of broth or water. Stir occasionally until heated through and slightly crispy edges form.

FAQs

• Why use a Dutch oven for this recipe?

Dutch ovens distribute heat evenly and retain moisture, which helps make the pork tender and prevents it from drying out during the slow cooking process.

• Can I use a different cut of pork?

Pork shoulder or pork butt work best because they have enough fat content to create tender, flavorful carnitas that become beautifully crispy when broiled.

• How do I know when the meat is fully cooked?

The pork is done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F, which typically takes about 3 hours of slow cooking.

• What if I don't have a microplane for garlic?

You can mince the garlic finely with a sharp knife or use a garlic press to achieve similar results in releasing the garlic’s flavor.

Carnitas Fajitas Why They’re Bursting with Flavor

• Dive into a simple cooking process that transforms pork into mouth-watering carnitas with minimal hands-on time.
• Enjoy a delightful blend of citrus, spices, and perfectly cooked meat that brings excitement to your dinner table.
• Streamline your cooking with a single Dutch oven that goes from stovetop to oven, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
• Create a hearty dish that satisfies everyone from picky eaters to culinary enthusiasts with its rich, tender texture and bold flavors.

Everything Needed for Authentic Carnitas Fajitas

• Pork Shoulder: A flavorful, tender cut perfect for slow cooking and shredding.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic depth to the meat's seasoning.

• Orange Juice, Lime Juice: Provides bright, tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Cumin, Chili Powder: Create a warm, complex seasoning profile for the carnitas.

• Yellow Onion, Bell Pepper: Adds sweet and slightly crisp texture to complement the rich meat.

• Fresh Cilantro, Citrus Wedges: Provides fresh, zesty garnish to brighten the dish.

Carnitas Fajitas Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican carnitas fajitas bring sizzling flavors from traditional kitchen techniques to your dinner table. Crispy pork, caramelized peppers, and warm tortillas create a memorable meal for friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 5 pounds (2.27 kg) pork butt roast or shoulder

Spices and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground peppercorn
• 4 bay leaves, fresh or dried

Aromatics and Citrus:

• 8 cloves fresh garlic
• 12 tablespoon minced onion
• 1 large sweet or red onion
• 1 large bell pepper, any color
• 2 large navel oranges
• 2 fresh lemons
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare pork by cutting into large, uniform chunks, ensuring even cooking and tender texture.
2. Create flavor profile by grating garlic finely and extracting fresh citrus juices, then combining dry spices in a separate mixture.
3. Heat Dutch oven on medium-high, searing pork chunks without additional oil until each side develops a rich, golden-brown crust.
4. Sprinkle dry spices directly onto meat during searing process, then introduce citrus juice and minced garlic to enhance depth of flavor.
5. Cover Dutch oven and transfer to preheated 325F oven, allowing pork to slow-cook for precisely 3 hours without interruption.
6. Extract pork from cooking liquid, skim excess fat, and optionally reduce remaining sauce on stovetop for intensified taste. Shred meat thoroughly and reintroduce to liquid.
7. Quickly slice onions and peppers into thin strips, sautéing until they achieve a soft, caramelized appearance.
8. Transfer shredded meat into vegetable pan, then broil briefly to create crispy exterior. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside citrus wedges for brightness.

Notes

• Master pork selection by choosing a cut with good marbling like pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor depth.
• Control moisture during slow cooking by keeping the Dutch oven tightly sealed, preventing liquid evaporation and ensuring rich, succulent meat.
• Experiment with spice variations like adding smoked paprika or cumin for deeper complexity without overwhelming the citrus brightness.
• Customize dietary needs by substituting pork with jackfruit for a vegetarian version or using lean chicken for a lighter protein option.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg