Classic Pork Carnitas Tostadas
Highlighted under: Cultures on a Plate Recipes
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexico with these Classic Pork Carnitas Tostadas, perfect for any occasion.
The classic pork carnitas tostadas are a beloved Mexican dish, combining tender, slow-cooked pork with crispy tostadas and fresh toppings. Perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender and flavorful pork that falls apart with a touch of a fork
- Crispy tostadas that provide the perfect crunch
- Endless topping possibilities to customize each bite
The Authentic Taste of Carnitas
Carnitas, which means 'little meats' in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish that celebrates the rich flavors of slow-cooked pork. This recipe captures the essence of authentic carnitas by using a blend of spices and citrus that infuse the pork with depth and character. As the pork cooks, it becomes incredibly tender, making it easy to shred and perfect for topping on crispy tostadas.
The key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in the slow cooking process. By allowing the pork shoulder to simmer for several hours, it absorbs all the flavors from the spices, onion, garlic, and orange juice. This method not only enhances the taste but also ensures that you have beautifully succulent pork that is ready to be enjoyed in various dishes.
Perfectly Crispy Tostadas
Tostadas are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their crispy texture and versatility. They serve as the ideal base for a variety of toppings, including the flavorful carnitas featured in this recipe. You can find pre-made corn tostadas in most grocery stores, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily make your own by frying corn tortillas until golden brown.
The crunch of a tostada complements the tender pork perfectly, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Each bite balances the savory carnitas with the lightness of the toppings, making for a satisfying meal that will please any crowd.
Topping Ideas for Customization
One of the best parts of making tostadas is the opportunity to customize them to your liking. While this recipe suggests classic toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado, feel free to get creative! Consider adding pickled red onions for a tangy crunch, jalapeños for some heat, or fresh radishes for a peppery bite.
Another delicious option is to drizzle your tostadas with a homemade lime crema or a zesty salsa for an extra layer of flavor. The beauty of these Classic Pork Carnitas Tostadas is that they can be tailored to suit your taste preferences, making them a perfect dish for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Carnitas
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Tostadas
- 8 corn tostadas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Pork
In a large slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, onion, garlic, orange juice, orange zest, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cook the Carnitas
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Pork
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat and the bay leaf.
Crisp the Pork
To crisp up the carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, until the edges are crispy.
Assemble the Tostadas
On each tostada, layer the crispy carnitas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious tostadas!
Serving Suggestions
These Classic Pork Carnitas Tostadas can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, making them perfect for any occasion. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a more filling meal. You could also serve them alongside a refreshing salad or grilled vegetables to add a fresh touch to the table.
For a complete dining experience, consider offering a variety of salsas and hot sauces on the side. This not only enhances the flavor of the tostadas but also allows your guests to tailor their meal to their heat preferences.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover carnitas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. This makes for a quick and easy meal that’s just as delicious the next day.
For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded carnitas. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Nutrition Highlights
Pork carnitas are not only flavorful but also provide a good source of protein, essential for maintaining muscle health and overall body function. When paired with fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, you also add vitamins and minerals to your meal, enhancing its nutritional profile.
By choosing toppings wisely, such as avocado and fresh herbs, you can incorporate healthy fats and additional nutrients, making these tostadas a balanced choice. Enjoy them guilt-free while savoring the rich flavors of this classic Mexican dish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use pork loin or tenderloin, but keep in mind that they may be less flavorful and tender compared to shoulder.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store the cooked carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the carnitas?
Absolutely! Shredded carnitas freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
→ What toppings do you recommend?
Feel free to get creative! Some great toppings include pickled onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
Classic Pork Carnitas Tostadas
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexico with these Classic Pork Carnitas Tostadas, perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Cultures on a Plate Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Carnitas
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Tostadas
- 8 corn tostadas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
How-To Steps
In a large slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, onion, garlic, orange juice, orange zest, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat and the bay leaf.
To crisp up the carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, until the edges are crispy.
On each tostada, layer the crispy carnitas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 22g