Cooking Pork Carnitas From Aldi? Here’s What You Need To Know!

Craving the tantalizing flavors of Mexican cuisine? Look no further than Aldi’s exceptional pork carnitas! This delectable dish is a staple in Mexican gastronomy, and with Aldi’s high-quality ingredients, you can easily recreate its authentic taste in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow our comprehensive guide on how to cook pork carnitas from Aldi and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (3-4 pound) pork shoulder or pork butt from Aldi
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (12-ounce) can of beer or chicken broth
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (10-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).

2. Sear the Pork

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.

3. Transfer to a Dutch Oven

Transfer the seared pork to a large Dutch oven or roasting pan.

4. Add the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Dutch oven. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

5. Deglaze the Pan

Pour the beer or chicken broth into the skillet used to sear the pork. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour the deglazing liquid over the pork.

6. Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the Dutch oven. Stir to combine.

7. Braise the Pork

Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and braise the pork in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is fall-off-the-bone tender.

8. Shred the Pork

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

9. Crisp the Carnitas (Optional)

If desired, transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pork carnitas warm in tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, cilantro, onion, avocado, and salsa.

Tips for Perfect Carnitas

• For a more flavorful dish, use dark beer instead of light beer.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a slow cooker. Cook the pork on low for 6-8 hours.
• Don’t overcook the pork, or it will become dry and tough.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add some additional chicken broth.
• Serve the carnitas with a variety of toppings to cater to different tastes.

Nutritional Information

One serving of pork carnitas (approximately 4 ounces) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 25 grams
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams

A Culinary Fiesta in Every Bite

Cooking pork carnitas from Aldi is a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its authentic flavors, tender texture, and versatility, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and let the tantalizing aromas of pork carnitas fill your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork for carnitas?
A: Yes, you can use pork loin or pork tenderloin, but the pork shoulder is the most traditional and flavorful cut.

Q: How long can I store leftover carnitas?
A: Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze pork carnitas?
A: Yes, you can freeze pork carnitas for up to 3 months. Thaw the carnitas in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.