Trader Joe’s Carnitas Recipe: Easy Traditional Tacos

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Here’s a simple and delicious way to make Trader Joe’s carnitas at home. These recipes make it a breeze to whip up mouth-watering dishes.

A sizzling pan of carnitas cooks on the stove, filling the kitchen with the aroma of tender, seasoned pork. A wooden spoon stirs the meat as it caramelizes, creating a mouth-watering scene

For carnitas tacos, start by warming your tortillas and layering them with juicy carnitas, salsa, diced onions, and a drizzle of crema for an extra touch of flavor.

If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, try a carnitas bowl by pairing the shredded meat with black beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole, all topped with jalapeño sauce.

For a fun twist, you can also try making a salsa verde carnitas burrito. Use slow-cooked carnitas with a spicy kick from salsa verde, and wrap it in a warm tortilla along with rice and beans. This is a tasty option that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

Key Takeaways

  • Trader Joe’s carnitas can be used for tacos, bowls, or burritos.
  • Combine fresh ingredients like salsa, guacamole, and crema for extra flavor.
  • Slow-cooking carnitas with salsa verde adds a flavorful twist.

Ingredient Breakdown

When I make Trader Joe’s carnitas recipes, I love to use a mix of fresh and hearty ingredients that add tons of flavor.

Meat and Tortillas

I start with carnitas, which are tasty cooked pork pieces. Trader Joe’s carnitas are perfect for this. Then, I grab some flour tortillas that are large enough to hold all the delicious fillings.

Vegetables and Herbs

To give the dish freshness, I use chopped cilantro and onions. A squeeze of lime over the top adds a zesty kick. If you like, add some sliced avocado and shredded lettuce for more texture and flavor.

Cheese and Beans

I always include shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack. For extra protein, black beans make a great addition.

Salsas and Seasonings

Trader Joe’s has a variety of salsas that can suit different tastes. I often choose a medium salsa to strike a balance. Don’t forget the cumin and a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring heat and depth.

Extras

A drizzle of olive oil can be used for cooking or topping. Sometimes, I also chop up fresh tomato to sprinkle over the taco or burrito. These simple, vibrant ingredients make the perfect Trader Joe’s carnitas meal.

Preparation Guide

When preparing Trader Joe’s carnitas, it is important to handle traditional ingredients with care and follow a clear cooking process. This ensures a delicious meal that is both quick and easy.

Working with Traditional Ingredients

To make authentic carnitas, start with roasted pork. You can choose either fresh or frozen carnitas from Trader Joe’s. These usually come fully cooked, which speeds up the preparation time.

For added flavor, use ingredients like bbq sauce, diced onions, and lime juice. You will also need tortillas, which can be quickly warmed in the microwave or on a grill pan.

Fresh cilantro and cheese are great additions to help bring out the traditional taste. Keep lime wedges on hand for a fresh citrus finish.

Cooking Process Explained

Begin by removing the carnitas from the package. If using frozen carnitas, you can thaw it first. After that, heat the carnitas in the microwave for about 2 minutes to start.

Next, transfer the carnitas to a heated pan with a bit of olive oil. Cook for 4-6 minutes, making sure it is warmed through.

While the carnitas cook, warm the tortillas one at a time on a grill pan for 1 minute per side, or use a microwave if you prefer.

Once everything is warm, assemble your tacos. Start with the tortilla, add carnitas, and top with diced onions, salsa, crema, and cilantro.

Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and you’re ready to enjoy a quick and tasty meal that takes around 20 minutes to prepare.

Assembling Your Dish

A skillet sizzling with Trader Joe's carnitas, being mixed with a variety of colorful vegetables and seasonings on a wooden cutting board

First, I like to warm my tortillas. You can dip each side in a little water and place them on a grill pan for about a minute on each side. This makes the tortillas pliable for tacos or burritos.

Next, I’ll layer my tortilla with the delicious Trader Joe’s carnitas. The meat is tender and flavorful, just perfect for any Mexican-style dish.

Here’s what I add:

  • Carnitas
  • Fresh salsa verde
  • Chopped onions
  • Sour cream or crema

For something fun and different, a simple side of Spanish rice can be added. I sometimes make a guacamicle, a mix of guacamole and pickled vegetables, which adds a unique twist.

If I’m making a burrito, I use large flour tortillas. They hold everything in better. Fold the tortilla over the filling and roll it up tightly.

Ingredients for a burrito:

  • Carnitas
  • Cowboy caviar (beans and corn)
  • Shredded cheese

When making a salad, I start with a bed of fresh greens. I top it with warm carnitas, salsa, diced onions, and a drizzle of lime juice. It’s light yet satisfying.

Salad toppings:

  • Mixed greens
  • Salsa
  • Onions
  • Lime juice

Don’t forget the garnish! Freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges add a burst of flavor. For a fun twist, I sometimes scatter a few tortilla chips on top for crunch.

Trader Joe's Carnitas Copycat
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Trader Joe’s Carnitas Copycat

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: LunchCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

3

hours 

20

minutes

his easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup orange juice

  • 1/2 cup lime juice

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 2 bay leaves

Directions

  • Prepare the Pork:
  • Pat the pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Sear the Pork:
  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks and sear until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
  • Cook the Aromatics:
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Season the Pork:
  • Return the pork to the pot. Add the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and black pepper. Stir to coat the pork evenly with the spices.
  • Add the Liquids:
  • Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Add the bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  • Simmer:
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
  • Shred the Pork:
  • Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to combine with the juices.
  • Optional: Crisp the Carnitas:
  • For a traditional crispy finish, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy.
  • Serve:
  • Serve the carnitas with your favorite tortillas, rice, beans, salsa, and toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

A sizzling skillet of tender, seasoned pork carnitas, surrounded by colorful vegetables and aromatic spices, ready to be served at Trader Joe's

I’ve gathered some common questions and tips about making and enjoying Trader Joe’s carnitas.

What’s the best way to heat up Trader Joe’s fully cooked carnitas?

To heat up Trader Joe’s fully cooked carnitas, you can use a microwave, oven, or stovetop.

In the microwave, place the carnitas in a microwavable dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes.

For the oven, preheat to 375°F, place the carnitas in a baking dish, and heat for 15-20 minutes.

Can you recommend a good slow cooker method for preparing Trader Joe’s pulled pork?

Yes, for a slow cooker method, place the Trader Joe’s pulled pork in the slow cooker. Add 1/2 cup of broth or water.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll have tender and flavorful carnitas ready to enjoy.

Is it possible to cook Trader Joe’s carnitas in an air fryer, and if so, how?

You can cook Trader Joe’s carnitas in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the carnitas in the basket in a single layer.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method gives crispy edges while keeping the meat juicy.

What are some creative ways to serve Trader Joe’s carnitas in a bowl?

Serving Trader Joe’s carnitas in a bowl is fun and versatile.

I like to start with a base of rice or quinoa. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a tasty carnitas bowl.

How does Trader Joe’s pre-packaged carnitas compare in taste and quality?

Trader Joe’s pre-packaged carnitas are known for their convenience and flavor. They are well-seasoned and tender, making them a great choice for quick meals. While not as customizable as homemade, they still offer a quality option for those pressed for time.

Could you explain the difference between pork carnitas and pulled pork?

Pork carnitas and pulled pork are both delicious, but they are prepared differently.

Carnitas are typically cooked slowly in lard until tender, then crisped up before serving. Meanwhile, pulled pork is slow-cooked, often with a smoky barbecue flavor, and shredded. The texture and flavor profiles differ due to these methods.