Green Chile Pork Carnitas

why make this recipe

Green Chile Pork Carnitas combine tender, flavorful pork with the spicy kick of green chiles. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive gathering. The slow-cooked pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the blend of spices and chiles adds depth to the flavor. It’s versatile too! You can serve it in tacos, burritos, or over rice, making it a hit for everyone at the table.

how to make Green Chile Pork Carnitas

Ingredients:

• 3–4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups green chiles, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup broth (chicken or pork)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the pork chunks on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the green chiles, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Return the pork to the pot, add the broth, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender.
7. Shred the pork with forks and serve in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice.

how to serve Green Chile Pork Carnitas

You can serve Green Chile Pork Carnitas in many ways. Fill soft corn or flour tortillas for tacos, layer them in burritos, or serve over a bed of rice. Top your dish with diced onions, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor. Alternatively, enjoy them in a bowl with your favorite toppings.

how to store Green Chile Pork Carnitas

Store any leftover Green Chile Pork Carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a pot or microwave.

tips to make Green Chile Pork Carnitas

• For extra flavor, marinate the pork overnight with spices before cooking.
• If you like more heat, add some sliced jalapeños or use hotter green chiles.
• Don’t rush the cooking process. The longer simmer helps develop the flavors and tenderness of the pork.

variation

You can try this recipe with beef, chicken, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times as needed. Adding different spices like chili powder or smoked paprika can also provide a unique twist to the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes! While pork shoulder is traditionally used for its flavor and tenderness, you can opt for pork butt or even pork loin, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.

Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the type of green chiles you use. You can use mild chiles for less heat or hotter varieties for more spice.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can switch the cooking method to a slow cooker. Simply brown the pork first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender.

Green Chile Pork Carnitas

Tender and flavorful pork slow-cooked with green chiles, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks Choose a well-marbled cut for best flavor.
• 1 tablespoon oil For browning the pork.
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups green chiles, diced Adjust spiciness based on the type of chiles used.
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup broth (chicken or pork)

Method

 

Cooking

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the pork chunks on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the green chiles, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Return the pork to the pot, add the broth, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender.
7. Shred the pork with forks and serve in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the pork overnight with spices before cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.