Campfire Carnitas

These Campfire Carnitas are the ultimate comfort food for your next outdoor adventure. The tender pork, slow-cooked to perfection, creates the most flavorful filling for your tacos. Paired with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a smoky salsa, each bite is a delicious explosion of flavors that will remind you of the joy of campfire cooking.

The best part? You can customize your carnitas with your favorite toppings or add some heat with spicy salsas. Whether you’re sitting by the fire after a long day of hiking or hosting a backyard cookout, these Campfire Carnitas will be a crowd-pleaser, bringing the essence of Mexican cuisine straight to your plate.

Full Recipe:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder

• 1 onion, quartered

• 1 orange, halved

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 tbsp oregano

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 bay leaf

• Tortillas, for serving

• Optional toppings: cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, diced onions

Directions:

1. Prepare the pork shoulder by trimming excess fat. Season it generously with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork on all sides, about 5 minutes.

3. Once the pork is browned, add the onion, garlic, orange halves, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the pot.

4. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds.

5. After cooking, remove the pork from the pot and shred it with two forks.

6. Return the shredded pork to the pot and let it simmer in the juices for an additional 10-15 minutes for extra flavor.

7. Serve the carnitas on tortillas with your choice of toppings like cilantro, lime, salsa, and diced onions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3-4 hours | Total Time: 3.5-4.5 hours | Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings

Origins of Carnitas

Carnitas is a classic Mexican dish with deep roots in the central regions of Mexico. Its origins can be traced back to the state of Michoacán, where it was originally cooked in large pots or cauldrons. The traditional method involves braising or slow-cooking pork in lard until the meat becomes tender and succulent. The dish is often prepared for festive occasions, family gatherings, or special celebrations. Over time, the preparation methods have evolved, and today, carnitas can be made in a variety of ways, including using slow cookers or, in this case, cooking over an open flame or campfire. The rich, flavorful meat is typically served in tacos, with fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, and salsa, making it a versatile dish loved by all.

Why You’ll Love Campfire Carnitas

This Campfire Carnitas recipe is an excellent choice for those who enjoy the art of outdoor cooking. There’s something uniquely satisfying about preparing a meal over an open flame, and carnitas are the perfect dish for this method. The slow-cooking process allows the pork to soak up all the rich flavors of the broth, herbs, and spices, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that can’t be beat. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can use the carnitas for tacos, burritos, or even over rice for a filling, flavorful meal. The added touch of cooking over the campfire infuses the meat with a smoky flavor that makes the carnitas stand out.

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. While the cooking time is long, the hands-on preparation is minimal. All you need is a few ingredients, and once the pork is cooking, you can focus on other aspects of your campfire meal or relax and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a great recipe to make ahead of time if you’re prepping for a camping trip, as the carnitas can be kept warm on a grill or over a low flame, ready to serve whenever hunger strikes.

Campfire Cooking: A Unique Experience

Cooking over a campfire adds an entirely new level of flavor to your food, and Campfire Carnitas are no exception. The fire’s heat and smoke create a charred, smoky crust on the pork that enhances the dish’s natural flavors. Campfire cooking also offers a sense of connection to nature, as the process of cooking with wood and flame harkens back to ancient culinary traditions. While using a traditional campfire might seem like a challenge, it’s actually quite simple. The key is to maintain a consistent heat, and this recipe works perfectly with the slow and steady cooking time required for carnitas.

How to Serve Campfire Carnitas

Once your Campfire Carnitas are cooked to perfection, the fun begins—serving them! Traditionally, carnitas are served in soft corn or flour tortillas, topped with fresh ingredients like cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and salsa. The rich, savory pork pairs wonderfully with the refreshing and tangy toppings, creating a perfect balance of flavors. For a more substantial meal, you can serve the carnitas over rice, in a burrito, or in a bowl with black beans, avocado, and your favorite salsa.

If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider making a carnitas taco bar. Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone assemble their own tacos. This allows your guests to customize their tacos according to their tastes, and it’s a fun way to share a meal in a relaxed outdoor setting. If you prefer to keep it simple, the Campfire Carnitas can be served in a more traditional fashion, allowing the pork to shine as the star of the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Campfire Carnitas

To ensure your Campfire Carnitas turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use a high-quality pork shoulder: Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is the best cut for carnitas because it’s well-marbled with fat, which makes it tender and juicy when cooked slowly. Avoid using leaner cuts of pork, as they won’t provide the same texture or flavor.

• Brown the pork before cooking: While the slow-cooking process will do most of the work, browning the pork in a pan before adding it to the campfire adds a delicious depth of flavor. The caramelization of the meat creates a richer taste and enhances the overall dish.

• Low and slow is key: Whether you’re cooking over a campfire, on a grill, or using a slow cooker, the secret to perfect carnitas is slow cooking. Be patient, and let the meat cook low and slow to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

• Don’t forget the toppings: Carnitas are best when served with a variety of fresh toppings. Think cilantro, lime, diced onions, and a few different salsas. This adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the pork.

Health Benefits of Pork Carnitas

While carnitas are known for their rich flavor, they can also offer some nutritional benefits. Pork is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It also contains key vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), zinc, and iron. These nutrients help support the immune system, promote energy production, and keep the body functioning at its best. By making Campfire Carnitas at home, you can control the ingredients, ensuring that the dish is free from excess sodium or preservatives often found in store-bought alternatives.

However, it’s important to enjoy carnitas in moderation, as pork can be high in saturated fat. To balance your meal, consider pairing the carnitas with fresh vegetables, salads, or a side of rice for added fiber and nutrients. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you can use lean cuts of pork or opt for a lighter topping selection, such as a fresh vegetable salsa or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Variations of Campfire Carnitas

While traditional carnitas are made with pork, you can easily switch things up to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, chicken carnitas are a lighter alternative, and they cook much faster than pork. Simply swap the pork shoulder for chicken thighs and follow the same process.

If you’re looking for a more exotic twist, try using beef or lamb as your meat. These alternatives offer a rich, hearty flavor that can work well with the seasonings typically used for carnitas. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times, as beef or lamb may need slightly different treatment to achieve the perfect texture.

Conclusion

Campfire Carnitas is a mouthwatering and versatile dish that elevates the experience of outdoor cooking. Its tender, slow-cooked pork packed with rich, smoky flavor makes it perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying over a bed of rice. Whether you’re camping, grilling in the backyard, or just looking for a delicious meal, this recipe will leave you craving more. By following a few simple tips, you can create a meal that’s not only flavorful but also an unforgettable experience around the campfire.

So next time you’re planning an outdoor adventure or gathering with friends, give Campfire Carnitas a try—your taste buds will thank you!