The Best Smoked Pork Carnitas
These smoked pork carnitas are the BEST way to use your leftover pork! The tacos pack a punch with tons of citrus and a bit of heat. Plus the smoke flavor takes it to the next level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever smoked a pork roast and don’t know what to do with the leftovers? You can only eat so much BBQ pork before your mouth is begging for a new flavor!
Next time, transform your leftover smoked pork into these amazing carnitas with fresh citrus and chili for a little kick!
Before You Begin
- Make sure your pork is thoroughly shredded before making carnitas.
- Use fresh oranges and limes for the best flavor.
- Kick up the heat by adding more chili paste.
The Best Carnitas with Smoked Pork
Course: DinnerDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes30
minutesThese carnitas with smoked pork are the BEST way to use your leftover pork! These carnitas pack a punch with citrus flavors and a bit of heat. Plus the smoke flavor take it to the next level!
Before You Begin
– Make sure your pork is thoroughly shredded before making carnitas.
– Use fresh oranges and limes for the best flavor.
– Kick up the heat by adding more chili paste.
What to Serve With
– Cilantro Lime Rice
– Salsa
– Sour Cream
– Guacamole
Other Dinner Recipes
– Parmesan Rabbit Meatballs
Ingredients
4 heaping cups of smoked shredded pork
3 oranges
5 limes
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp garlic clove
1 tsp chili paste
1/2 cup chicken stock
Directions
- Measure out 4 heaping cups of leftover smoked shredded pork.
- Turn the heat on low and add in the seasonings and chicken stock.
- Cut the oranges and limes in half and squeeze the juice into the pan with the pork.
- Mix the pork and other ingredients together with the tongs until it is well incorporated.
- Allow the pork to simmer on low for 20-30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Take the pork off the heat.
- Fill street-size taco shells with the carnitas and top with salsa, lettuce, and any of your favorite taco toppings.
- Check out more recipes!
Customize
- Replace the shredded pork with cooked shredded chicken if you prefer.
- Add more or less chili paste to change the spiciness of the meat.
How to Smoke a Pork Butt
This recipe is best made with leftover shredded pork butt that has been smoked. Check out this step-by-step guide to seasoning and smoking the perfect pork butt.
A smoked pork butt will yield a lot of meat for one family, and sometimes it can be a struggle to figure out how to use the leftovers. This recipe is the perfect way to take advantage of your leftover smoked pork in a NEW way!
Ingredients
- Shredded smoked pork
- Oranges
- Lime
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt
- Garlic clove
- Chili Paste
- Chicken stock
Equipment
- Skillet pan
- Stove top
- Tongs
- Lemon squeezer
How to Make Smoked Pork Carnitas
Step 1: Measure out the pork.
- Measure out 4 heaping cups of leftover smoked shredded pork.
Step 2: Add the seasonings and citrus.
- Turn the heat on low and add in the seasonings and chicken stock.
- Cut the oranges and limes in half and squeeze the juice into the pan with the pork.
Step 3: Simmer on the stove.
- Mix the pork and other ingredients together with the tongs until it is well incorporated.
- Allow the pork to simmer on low for 20-30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
Step 4: Assemble the carnitas and enjoy!
- Take the pork off the heat.
- Fill street-size taco shells with the carnitas and top with salsa, lettuce, and any of your favorite taco toppings.
Enjoy!
Storage Tips
Store the leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze the meat in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Do not leave the pork carnitas in the fridge for longer than a week before transferring to the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I use a raw pork loin? Yes, you could put a pork loin in the crockpot with these seasonings and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Shred the meat before serving.
Are there other types of meat I could use instead? Yes! You could use this recipe with cooked shredded chicken if you prefer.
Once you have made these carnitas with smoked pork, you may like it BETTER than just plain BBQ pork! Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!
