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    Home » Mexico

    What To Serve With Carnitas

    Published on Nov 6, 2023 Modified: Jul 23, 2024 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Carnitas are classic Mexican pulled pork that can go with just about any Mexican cuisine. Serve carnitas alongside these 35 sides for a feast everyone will remember.

    Bowl of carnitas with lime wedges resting on the side and cilantro sprinkled on top.
    Pork carnitas in a bowl with celery and lime wedges

    No matter the kind of Mexican cuisine you’ve got planned for your next get-together, carnitas are the perfect protein choice. 

    This slow-cooked, perfectly seasoned, crisp pulled pork is magical on nachos, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or salads. The name carnitas roughly translates to “little meats” and that’s what it is… little shredded meat, perfect for so many different Mexican dishes.

    Even better, you can achieve this amazing flavor with very little work. Carnitas are a great recipe for the slow cooker or Instant Pot!

    The secret to great carnitas is to start with a fatty piece of pork. As the meat cooks slowly, the fat melts giving each piece the perfectly tender texture that melts in your mouth. 

    The only thing that can make carnitas more enjoyable is what you serve it with. Plenty of sides and toppings compliment the flavor of this protein and help balance out the salty meat for a meal everyone can love!

    Jump to:
    • FAQs
    • Favorite Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Serve With Carnitas Meat
    • Recipe to Serve with Carnitas
    • Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
    • Elote Loco
    • Avocado Salad Recipe
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Homemade Pico de Gallo
    • Chimichurri
    • Mango Pico de Gallo
    • Homemade Guacamole Recipe
    • Easy Mexican Street Corn with Tajin
    • Mexican Potatoes
    • Quick Mexican Pickled Red Onions
    • Chili Lime Rice Recipe
    • Lime Crema
    • Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans
    • Avocado Crema
    • Cowboy Caviar
    • Homemade Tortillas
    • Tostones Recipe
    • Mexican Corn Salad with Chiles, Lime, and Parmesan
    • Poblano Avocado Sauce
    • How To Make Refried Beans
    • Roasted Corn Stuffed Poblano Peppers
    • Quick and Easy Pickled Serrano Peppers
    • Easy Spanish Rice
    • Baked Tortilla Chips
    • Mexican Cornbread
    • Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
    • Bloody Maria
    • How To Make Tostada Shells
    • Churro Ice Cream Tacos
    • Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
    • Guava Margarita
    • Pineapple Margarita on the Rocks
    • Mexican Coleslaw
    • Cheesy Cilantro & Sour Cream Rice

    FAQs

    Carnitas served over two corn tortillas and topped with cheese, salsa and cilantro with a lime wedge on the side.
    Shredded carnitas on corn tortillas, topped with red sauce, cheese and cilantro.
    What Type Of Meat Is Carnitas?

    Carnitas are pork and, more specifically, pork butt or pork shoulder. Both of these cuts of meat (which are almost the same) have a higher fat content which produces tender, flavorful meat that easily shreds when cooked. Any other cut of pork will not be the same and may turn out dry or tough.

    Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for Carnitas?

    Authentic carnitas must be made with pork butt or pork shoulder. If you want to attempt a similar recipe with a different cut of meat, you may need to add a bit of oil and broth to the marinade to add some fat and liquid to the meat.

    What Is The Difference Between Pulled Pork And Carnitas?

    Carnitas are Mexican pulled pork. Both recipes call for the same cut of meat, but the seasoning differs greatly. Carnitas are seasoned with orange juice, lime juice, cilantro, and spices common in Mexican recipes. Pulled pork or slow-cooked pork can be seasoned with similar spices or given an American twist with barbeque sauce.

    Carnitas and pulled pork are also prepared differently. Pulled pork is often cooked or smoked in one piece. Carnitas are chopped before cooking so the spices can soak into every crevice. Once cooked, pulled pork is simply shredded and served while carnitas are coated in marinade and broiled to concentrate the flavor and give the meat a smoky finish.

    Can I Make Carnitas Ahead of Time?

    Carnitas go with so many different meals so it’s a great idea to make a large batch and reuse the meat throughout the week. If you want to make carnitas ahead of time, I would suggest reserving some of the meat’s juice and broiling the meat just before using. This way you ensure you get perfectly caramelized meat for each use.

    Can I Make Carnitas in the Instant Pot or in the Oven?

    Carnitas are a great dish to make at home because there are so many ways to make them and have them turn out fabulous. You can cook them slowly in a slow cooker or oven or speed up the process in an Instant Pot. No matter what tool you have on hand, it’s possible to make carnitas at home.

    Can You Freeze Pork Carnitas?

    Pork carnitas freeze and save very well. Again, if you plan to save carnitas to use later, I would save the broiling of the meat until just before you serve. To freeze, shred the meat and save it in a freezer ziploc bag. Save the reduced cooking liquid in a separate bag. To prepare, thaw the liquid, drizzle it over the meat, and then broil.

    The meat can be frozen for several months before serving.

    You can also save leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Use the meat for pork carnitas tacos, Mexican salad, or any delicious meal you can think of!

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    Favorite Recipes

    Spoon resting in a bowl of crispy carnitas.
    Close up detail of freshly made pulled pork in Frederick, MD, United States
    1. These carnitas from A Little and a Lot can be made in the slow cooker or Instant Pot
    2. Isabel Eats shares her pork carnitas recipe to be made in the oven or instant pot.
    3. Authentic Carnitas from My Kitchen Escapades are broiled to perfection and full of flavor

    Expert Tips

    • You can control how spicy or mild your carnitas are. Most recipes call for chipotle peppers, cayenne pepper, and chili powder and it’s easy to adjust these three spices to your preference.
    • Don’t rush it. Carnitas are designed for low and slow cooking. That’s the only way to get the most tender, delicious meat.
    • Adjust your liquid to your cooking method. Instant pots and slow cookers hold onto more liquid than a pot in the oven. Keep an eye on the amount of liquid your meat is releasing and make adjustments accordingly. You do not want your meat to go dry during the cooking process! Add some chicken broth if you notice it drying out.
    • Don’t skip the broiling. Broiling the meat is an extra step and when you pull perfectly tender, fragrant meat out of your slow cooker you may be tempted to throw it in a burrito and call it good… but do not skip the broiling. The caramelization of the meat gives it the most delicious flavor and is truly what makes it carnitas.
    • Save the leftover cooking liquid to use it in soup or stew.

    What to Serve With Carnitas Meat

    Small serving bowl of chimichurri sauce.

    Sides: Homemade warm tortillas, black beans, refried beans, Mexican street corn, avocado salad, jicama, green salad, cilantro lime rice, corn tortillas, tortilla chips, Mexican rice, sweet potatoes, flour tortillas

    Toppings: Tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo, chimichurri sauce, cabbage, sour cream, diced onions, fresh cilantro, queso fresco, red onions, lime wedges, salsa verde

    Main dish: Pork tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, huaraches, baked potato, taco salad, enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas, soup 

    Recipe to Serve with Carnitas

    Check out these 35 delicious recipes you can make at home to serve with your Carnitas! 

    Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans

    Bowl of Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
    These Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans are the perfect side dish. They’re warm, comforting, homey, healthy, and hands-off. Seriously, does a recipe get more perfect than that? The black beans cook in the Instant Pot alongside cumin, oregano, and more delightful spices. Soon enough you’ll have a bowl of delicious black beans, a staple in any Cuban cuisine!
    Read More

    Elote Loco

    An ear of corn on a plate topped with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, worcestershire sauce, and cheese, making Elote Loco.
    This Salvadoran Street corn is perfect for a summer snack. Elote Loco is made with corn on the cob, mayonnaise, cheese, ketchup, mustard, and salsa negra.
    Read More

    Avocado Salad Recipe

    bowl of avocado salad
    This Avocado Salad Recipe with Peanuts is absolutely delicious! The contrasting flavors ignite your tastebuds and keep your mouth craving more! Plus, those peanuts add a little crunch. Try this recipe on its own, with chips, or as a side for fish.
    Read More

    Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

    A baked sweet potato topped with pecans and cranberries with parsley on the side.
    This post will teach you How to Make Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot, one of the very best side dishes! These Sweet Potatoes are smooth and soft and the perfect hands-off recipe.
    Read More

    Homemade Pico de Gallo

    Chip dipped in Pico de Gallo
    This recipe for Homemade Pico de Gallo will take you only a few moments to make at home! Soon enough, you will have a refreshing, healthy, and easy snack on your table, just ready for tacos, nachos, or anything else you could desire!
    Read More

    Chimichurri

    A bowl of Argentinian chimichurri with a spoon scooping it
    This Argentinian Chimichurri is made with parsley, olive oil, garlic, and red chili peppers. It is perfectly flavored for pouring over a churrasco steak or flavoring up some vegetables with a delicious taste of Argentina!
    Read More

    Mango Pico de Gallo

    Mango pico de gallo in a scalloped bowl with red onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
    This Pico de Gallo variation is so easy to throw together. Simply add juicy mangos, onion, peppers, and cilantro together for a delicious Mango Pico de Gallo. You can enjoy this delicious salsa with tortilla chips, serve it with grilled salmon, or even add it to tacos.
    Read More

    Homemade Guacamole Recipe

    A scalloped bowl piled high with guacamole with tortilla chips in front of it.
    Guacamole is a simple dish, but it’s important to know how to make it perfectly. Read on for tips on picking the right avocado, eating your guac, storage tips, and more.
    Read More

    Easy Mexican Street Corn with Tajin

    Mexican street corn sprinkled with tajin and cilantro.

    Blow away your taste buds with this Mexican street corn with Tajin. It’s easy to get the taste of authentic elote at home with a few simple ingredients! Grill or roast ears of corn on the cob, then slather them with mayonnaise and sour cream or Mexican crema. Top them to your heart’s desire with cotija, Tajin, and cilantro.

    Read More

    Mexican Potatoes

    Crispy Mexican potatoes.

    These tasty little oven-baked Mexican potatoes are twice cooked, then tossed in a spicy flour and cornstarch coating to make each bite perfectly crispy. 

    Read More

    Quick Mexican Pickled Red Onions

    Quick Mexican pickled red onions in a glass jar with a spoon lifting out some to enjoy.

    Quick and easy Mexican Pickled Red Onions Recipe using red onions and vinegar as its base. A very popular 5-ingredient condiment in Mexico for tacos, tostadas, tortas, and more!

    Read More

    Chili Lime Rice Recipe

    Dutch oven filled with Chili lime rice recipe with lime wedges resting on top.

    The ever-popular cilantro lime doesn’t quite get made the same in our house. We make this version of Jalapeno Lime Rice in this house. It takes your cilantro lime rice up a notch with a touch of heat. I prefer this over any other cilantro lime rice.

    Read More

    Lime Crema

    Lime crema in a bowl topped with lime zest.

    This lime crema is what takes your food to the next level! This rich, creamy, and zesty dip is what you need to drizzle over everything from tacos and fajitas to soups and salads. All it takes is just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to make this tasty crema.

    Read More

    Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans

    Bowl of Mexican pinto beans prepared in the instant pot.

    If you’re looking for the best filling, flavorful homemade Instant Pot Pinto Beans Recipe, then look no further. With no need to pre-soak the beans and full of healthier every pantry staples, you can have dinner on the table in about an hour! 

    Read More

    Avocado Crema

    Whole avocados resting in a bowl of avocado crema.

    Learn how to make avocado sauce with this easy Avocado Crema, a tasty recipe to spice up any Mexican-inspired dish. Made with fresh avocados, Mexican crema, lime juice, and cilantro, this light and creamy vegetarian sauce is versatile and is ready to add a burst of flavor to your weekday menu.

    Read More

    Cowboy Caviar

    Hang using a chip to scoop up cowboy caviar.

    Growing up in Texas means I eat my fair share of southwestern-inspired dishes. This cowboy caviar takes me back to summer nights with family. Fresh and satisfying, it’s a crowd-pleaser. You can easily double the recipe if you have a full house.

    Read More

    Homemade Tortillas

    Homemade tortillas resting on a towel.

    This recipe for Homemade Tortillas yields soft and chewy flour tortillas and is easy to make with 5 ingredients. Skip the store-bought tortillas and make these for tacos, quesadillas, or wraps.

    Read More

    Tostones Recipe

    A hand holding a tostone.
    Tostones are twice-fried plantains that are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Vaguely reminiscent of a thick potato chip, they are best enjoyed with salt. Here's how to make your own tostones at home!
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    Mexican Corn Salad with Chiles, Lime, and Parmesan

    Two bowls of Mexican corn salad with chiles, lime and Parmesan.

    Mexican Corn Salad contains all the flavors of street stall corn on the cob. Sweet corn is roasted in the husk and then tossed with rich, creamy butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, diced Jalapeño chiles, and red pepper flakes and then topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 

    Read More

    Poblano Avocado Sauce

    Corn chip dipped in a creamy, thick poblano avocado sauce.

    This Poblano Avocado Sauce is a great flavorful dip for chips or topping for tacos! It’s made with roasted poblanos, cilantro, and lime juice.

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    How To Make Refried Beans

    Bowl of refried beans topped with whole pinto beans and cilantro sprinkled on top.

    Learn how to make refried beans at home! It’s easy and inexpensive whether you’re starting with canned beans or cooking them from scratch. Ready in under 30 minutes, this vegetarian refried beans recipe is the best!

    Read More

    Roasted Corn Stuffed Poblano Peppers

    Roasted corn stuffed poblano peppers.

    Make these delicious stuffed Poblano peppers with your favorite dairy-free cheese or cheddar. They’re fabulous both ways!

    Read More

    Quick and Easy Pickled Serrano Peppers

    Pickled Serrano Peppers in a glass jar, topped with garlic cloves.

    These quick and easy Pickled Serrano Peppers are a bright, fresh, spicy way to add flavor to everything from sandwiches to salads to breakfast!

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    Easy Spanish Rice

    Spanish rice filling in a bowl topped with chopped cilantro.

    Easy Spanish Rice, also known as Mexican Rice, is a simple and delicious way to make rice more exciting and a must-have side dish at any Mexican night or Tapas dinner party. Perfect fluffy rice with smoky paprika and a hint of chilli and it is all made in one pot. It’s super versatile too.

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    Baked Tortilla Chips

    Baked tortilla chips on a baking sheet cut into triangles and a bowl of pico de gallo and one with salsa.

    Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips are so easy to make, with just 4 ingredients. Using store-bought flour tortillas, simply cut them into triangles, season them with an olive oil, salt, and lime mix, and bake until perfectly crispy and dip-able. You will never buy a bag of tortilla chips again!

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    Mexican Cornbread

    Squares of Mexican cornbread ganrished with slices of jalapenos.

    The made-from-scratch Mexican Cornbread recipe is moist and filled with colors and flavor. Serve it with your favorite fiesta entrées, with chili, soup or a bowl of pinto beans.

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    Roasted tomatillo salsa in a bowl with corn chips and whole tomatillos laying around the bowl.

    Roasted Tomatillo Salsa is easy to make and tastes incredible. Green Salsa Verde is big on flavor and low in calories and carbs. Use this fresh salsa as a fun and delicious vegan appetizer with tortilla chips or bake it into your favorite enchilada recipes.

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    Introducing the Bloody Maria, a south-of-the-border twist on the classic Bloody Mary and its distant cousin the Bloody Caesar. The Bloody Maria drink utilizes tequila to compliment the earthiness of the tomato juice, the spiciness of the hot sauce and horseradish sauce, and the brightness of the lime.

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    Stop buying stale tostadas, you can make your own tostada shells at home. Fresh from the oven, warm and crispy. You are just 10 minutes away from the perfect tostada shells.

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    Churro Ice Cream Tacos

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    These Churro Ice Cream Tacos have a buttery, cinnamon sugar shell, creamy ice cream filling, and a rich chocolate coating.  Top them off with bright sprinkles and you have a fun, cool summer treat that everyone will love!

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