Carnitas is a Mexican dish of slow cooked pork that is then shredded into little bits. Traditionally, the tougher and cheaper pieces of meat are the ones used for this recipe because the slow cooking allows the meat to get to the point where it melts in your mouth. Once the meat has been cooked and shredded, it is browned in a bit of butter or oil. This version of carnitas, from Jared at Alaska Cooks, includes spices, butter, brown sugar and chipotle peppers with the pork shoulder. It also has some Coca-Cola in the simmering liquid, which adds and extra bit of sweetness to the meat. Some cooks and barbecuers say that it helps to tenderize the meat, too. Looks good, doesn't it? So do the rest of the dishes on Alaska Cooks, so check them out when you have a chance!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-17-2006 @ 2:09PM
Dr. Electro said...
I have been eating and thoroughly enjoying carnitas since I was a small child. I tasted some at a friend's house one afternoon in Muleshoe, Texas. My friend's mom was a fantastic cook and mine was too. After I had eaten with them a couple of times and my friend had eaten with us, the two moms started sharing recipes. Both had their own twist on carnitas and both were really delicious. Unfortunately, neither one left a recipe behind that I could use.
In West Texas there are two ubiquitious Mexican businesses. I am sure they exist all over the Southwest, but Texas is home so I will talk about these.
One is the tortilla factory. Yes, one can purchase fresh tortillas from them by the dozen or more. They also serve up the best commercially available tamales in town.
The other is the Mexican butcher shop. These are fabulous places for meat eaaters of any stripe. They also sell carnitas that is addictively tasty. Yes, one can become dependent on carnitas if it's that good.
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6-17-2006 @ 5:25PM
Andrew said...
*covet, covet*
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7-30-2006 @ 1:51PM
MJ said...
My family loves carnitas. the meat is well seasoned moist and not greasy. Picture is wonderful and tempting!!
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