Carnitas Fajitas are a delightful fusion of tender, slow-cooked pork and vibrant, sautéed vegetables, all wrapped in warm tortillas. This dish is a favorite among home cooks because it combines rich flavors with simple preparation techniques. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, Carnitas Fajitas are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Carnitas:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 orange, halved
- 1 lime, halved
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For the Fajita Vegetables:
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
For Assembly:
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Toppings (optional): shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Preparation
Preparing the Carnitas
- Season the Pork:
- In a bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder or pork butt.
- Cook the Carnitas:
- Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker.
- Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic, halved orange, and halved lime to the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Meat:
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Optionally, crisp up the shredded carnitas under a broiler for a few minutes to add some texture.
Preparing the Fajita Vegetables
- Slice the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the bell peppers and onion into strips.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced vegetables to the skillet.
- Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet still slightly crisp.
Assembly
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat tortillas on a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until warm and pliable.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Start with a layer of shredded carnitas on the tortilla.
- Add a generous helping of sautéed fajita vegetables.
- Top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serving Suggestions
To complete your meal, consider these serving ideas:
- Garnishes: Fresh pico de gallo or salsa, pickled jalapeños, and fresh avocado slices.
- Side Dishes: Spanish rice, black beans, or a simple green salad.
- Beverages: Margaritas, limeade, or a cold Mexican beer.
Conclusion
There you have it—perfectly prepared Carnitas Fajitas! This recipe brings together the best of slow-cooked pork and vibrant vegetables, making it a hit at any meal. Enjoy the process of creating these at home and don't forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!
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