Easy and Flavorful Carnitas Chimichangas Recipe

Carnitas Chimichangas are a delicious and traditional Mexican dish that combines tender, flavorful pork with a crispy, golden exterior. Perfect for home cooks, Mexican cuisine lovers, and cooking enthusiasts, this guide will take you through each step to create this mouth-watering meal.

Ingredients

To create authentic Carnitas Chimichangas, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Carnitas:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into large chunks
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves

For the Chimichangas:

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Carnitas

1. Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the pork chunks with the minced garlic, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Toss to coat the meat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Slow-Cook the Pork:

• • Place the marinated pork chunks in a slow cooker.
  • Add the quartered onion, bay leaves, orange juice, and chicken broth.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  3. Shred the Meat:
  • Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl.
  • Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  • Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker to keep it warm and absorb the flavorful juices.

  2. Assemble the Chimichangas

  1. Warm the Tortillas:
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Warm each tortilla for about 20 seconds on each side to make them pliable.
  2. Fill the Tortillas:
  • Place a warm tortilla on a flat surface.
  • Add a generous amount of shredded carnitas in the center of the tortilla.
  • Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  3. Fold the Chimichangas:
  • Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling.
  • Roll up from the bottom to create a secure, burrito-like wrap.

  3. Fry the Chimichangas

  1. Heat the Oil:
  • In a large, deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the Chimichangas:
  • Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil.
  • Fry until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Use tongs to remove the chimichangas and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

  4. Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve the chimichangas hot, topped with your favorite optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and cilantro.
  • Garnish with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
  2. Enhance the Dish:
  • Pair the chimichangas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
  • Enjoy with a refreshing drink, such as horchata or a cold cerveza.

  Conclusion

  Carnitas Chimichangas are a delightful way to enjoy traditional Mexican flavors in a crispy, satisfying package. By following these steps, you'll be able to create restaurant-quality chimichangas in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and sides to make this dish truly your own.

  Happy cooking and buen provecho!