Spice Up Your Dinner with Homemade Carnitas Burritos

Carnitas burritos are a beloved Mexican dish known for their rich, flavorful pork filling, paired with savory rice, hearty beans, and fresh salsa and guacamole. Originating from the state of Michoacán, carnitas (meaning "little meats") are traditionally made by slow-cooking pork until it’s tender and juicy. These burritos are a popular choice for home cooks and Mexican food enthusiasts alike, offering a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

Before we start, let's gather all the necessary ingredients:

• For the Carnitas:
• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 orange, halved
• For the Rice and Beans:
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• For the Salsa and Guacamole:
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 avocados, mashed
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Burrito Assembly:
• Large flour tortillas
• Shredded lettuce
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Carnitas

1. Season the Pork:

• • Rub the pork shoulder chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
  2. Cook the Pork:
  • Place the seasoned pork, onion, garlic, and orange halves (squeezed) into a large pot.
  • Add enough water to cover the pork.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours or until the pork is tender and water has evaporated.
  • Once the water has evaporated, increase the heat and cook until the pork is brown and crispy.
  3. Shred the Pork:
  • Remove the pork from the pot and shred it with forks.

  Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Beans

  1. Cook the Rice:
  • Rinse the rice under cold water.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil.
  • Add the rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
  2. Prepare the Beans:
  • In a small saucepan, heat the black beans over medium heat.
  • Stir in cumin and chili powder for extra flavor.

  Step 3: Make the Salsa and Guacamole

  1. Salsa:
  • In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeño, and cilantro.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Guacamole:
  • In another bowl, mash the avocados with lime juice.
  • Mix in some salt and pepper to taste.

  Assembly

  Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

  1. Heat the Tortillas:
  • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are pliable.

  Step 5: Assemble the Burritos

  1. Layering:
  • Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface.
  • Start with a layer of shredded carnitas in the center of the tortilla.
  • Add a spoonful of rice and a spoonful of beans.
  • Top with salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
  2. Rolling:
  • Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling.
  • Roll the burrito from the bottom up, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling inside.

  Serving Suggestions

  For an appealing presentation:

  • Plate the Burritos:
  • Serve the burritos on a large plate with extra guacamole and salsa on the side.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
  • Pairings:
  • Pair your burritos with a crisp salad or a side of tortilla chips and dip.

  Conclusion

  There you have it—your very own homemade carnitas burritos, ready to be enjoyed! Whether for a quick dinner or a festive gathering, these burritos are sure to impress. If you want to explore more delicious recipes and get expert tips on refining your cooking skills, book a call with one of our culinary experts today!

  Enjoy your meal! 🌯