Imagine turning yesterday's pulled pork into a restaurant-quality meal that'll have your family begging for seconds! These carnitas are the ultimate culinary magic trick, transforming humble leftovers into a zesty, crispy Mexican delicacy that's ready in just minutes. With a perfect balance of tender meat, bright lime, and fresh cilantro, this recipe proves that sometimes the best meals are born from what's already in your fridge.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover pulled pork
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 corn tortillas
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of leftover pulled pork, 1/2 cup of diced onion, 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, salt, pepper, and 4 corn tortillas.
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat the leftover pulled pork over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly and begins to get a bit crispy on the edges, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the pork is heating, prepare your toppings. Dice the onion and chop the cilantro. Set them aside in separate bowls.
- Once the pork is heated through, squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the pork. Stir to combine, allowing the lime juice to infuse the meat with flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate skillet, warm the corn tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are pliable and slightly toasted. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
- To assemble the carnitas, take a warm tortilla and add a generous portion of the pulled pork mixture. Top with diced onions and chopped cilantro.
- Repeat the assembly process for the remaining tortillas, adding more toppings as desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious leftover pulled pork carnitas with family and friends!
Tips
- For maximum flavor and texture, let the pulled pork crisp up slightly in the skillet. This creates delicious caramelized edges that add depth to your carnitas.
- Don't skip warming the tortillas! Heating them briefly makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft.
- Fresh toppings are key - use crisp, finely diced onions and freshly chopped cilantro for the brightest flavor profile.
- If your leftover pork seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to restore moisture.
- For extra indulgence, serve with additional lime wedges, hot sauce, or a quick homemade salsa to elevate your carnitas experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
