This Whole 30 Approved, Pork Carnitas recipe has become a lifesaver in my kitchen, and today I'm here to share it with you! The tender, juicy pork, intentionally seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection is just too delicious of a secret not to share. It's one of my favorite go-to recipes, guaranteed to not only satisfy your family's taste buds, but also to fit seamlessly into the hectic nature of life as a make-ahead freezer meal.
Listen, y’all, I know just as well as the next guy how chaotic dinnertime can be. This Whole 30-approved, Pork Carnitas recipe has become a lifesaver in my kitchen, and today I’m here to share it with you! The tender, juicy pork, intentionally seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection is just too delicious of a secret not to share. It’s one of my favorite go-to recipes, guaranteed to not only satisfy your family’s taste buds, but also to fit seamlessly into the hectic nature of life as a make-ahead freezer meal.
Whether you’re a parent shuffling kids from school to practice, a workaholic with no time to spare, or a friend looking to lend a hand to someone you love, these carnitas have your back. Prepped in advance and stored in the freezer, simply pull it out when you pour your morning coffee and let the slow cooker do its thing during the hustle and bustle of your day. By the time dinner time rolls around, you’ll have a hearty, healthy, Whole 30-compliant dinner ready for enjoyment.
So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s five into the most hands-off secret weapon you can have in your dinner arsenal!
Why You’ll Love this Easy Pork Carnitas Whole 30 Recipe
Whole 30 Compliant: For my health-conscious friends, these Pork Carnitas are Whole 30 Approved, helping you stick to your dietary goals.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the savory, tender meat and can customize their dinner with their favorite toppings.
Effortless: This recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for those in need of a hassle-free dinner option.
Leftover Potential: Any leftovers can easily be repurposed into new meals, like tacos, quesadillas, and stuffed sweet potatoes.
Pork Carnitas Whole 30 Freezer Meal Recipe
This Whole 30 Approved, Pork Carnitas recipe has become a lifesaver in my kitchen, and today I'm here to share it with you! The tender, juicy pork, intentionally seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection is just too delicious of a secret not to share. It's one of my favorite go-to recipes, guaranteed to not only satisfy your family's taste buds, but also to fit seamlessly into the hectic nature of life as a make-ahead freezer meal.
Poblano Peppers: Milder than jalapeños, poblano peppers still add great flavor to Pork Carnitas with a lower level of spice.
Apple juice: If you don’t have an orange or orange juice on hand, you can substitute this ingredient with apple juice. Just add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to increase the acidity.
Additions:
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra kick, add ¼ tsp of crushed red pepper flakes to the recipe.
Bay Leaves: For depth of flavor, toss a bay leaf or two to the recipe.
How to Reheat and Store Pork Carnitas Whole30 Freezer Meal
Best way to store Make-Ahead Pork Carnitas leftovers?
It is best to store any leftover Pork Carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow your leftovers to cool before storing in the containers.
How long will Pork Carnitas last in the fridge?
Leftovers are good in the fridge for 3-5 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze easy Pork Carnitas leftovers?
We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, which means prepping it first, then freezing, and cooking fresh when needed. To do this, prepare your gallon freezer bag, then rub pork with the spice blend, and place in the freezer bag, then add all the remaining ingredients to the freezer bag. Then seal, remove as much air as possible, and store in freezer. If you have already cooked the meal, and are looking to freeze your leftovers, simply allow the recipe to cool to room temperature, then place in resealable freezer bag, remove excess air, store in freezer for up to three months.
How to Reheat Leftover Pork Carnitas
This recipe can be reheated on the stovetop, or in the microwave. When using the microwave make sure to not overheat, as this will change the consistency and flavor of the recipe.
Convenient Pork Carnitas Whole 30 Recipe FAQs
Is carnitas the same as pulled pork?
Carnitas and pulled pork are both made from slow-cooked, tenderized pork, but their similarities end there. Carnitas are typically prepared with seasonings like cumin and Mexican oregano, while pulled pork is typically made with a barbecue-style sauce.
What type of meat is pork carnitas?Â
Pork carnitas are most commonly made from pork shoulder (which is also called pork butt).This is the preferred cut of meat for carnitas because of its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked.
How much pork for carnitas for 30 people?Â
To serve 30 people, about 10-12 pounds of pork shoulder is needed. This allows for generous portions of carnitas.
What is a substitute for lard in carnitas?Â
For a Whole 30-approved recipe, lard can be substituted with fats like avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee. Without compromising flavor, using one of these alternatives makes the dish healthier.
Are carnitas healthier than steak?Â
Although dependent on flavor preferences and method of preparation, carnitas made from lean cuts of pork can be healthier than using certain cuts of steak, which can be higher in saturated fat.
Which is healthier, al pastor or carnitas?Â
When prepared with lean cuts of meat and wholesome ingredients, both al pastor and carnitas can be a part of a healthy diet. Ultimately, your choice comes down to flavor preferences and dietary restrictions.
What is the best oil for carnitas?Â
Choosing an oil for carnitas depends on your dietary preferences. For a Whole 30-approved recipe, oils like avocado oil or coconut oil are healthier options that don’t compromise taste.
Why do you put orange juice in carnitas?Â
The addition of orange juice in carnitas recipes yields a richer flavor and a complementary amount of acidity. Also, the citrus helps to tenderize the meat and balances the pork’s richness, while providing a delectable, slightly sweet note.
How do you keep carnitas juicy?Â
Slow-cooking carnitas with liquid, such as orange juice and broth, is the secret to keeping carnitas juicy. If you sear the meat after slow-cooking, you lock in moisture and add a flavorful crust. As always, be sure to not overcook the meat.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
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