Can You Use Pork Chops For Carnitas? Experts Explain

Carnitas are a delicious and popular Mexican dish made with braised or roasted pork, typically using pork shoulder. But what if you don’t have pork shoulder on hand? Can you use pork chops instead?

The answer is yes! Pork chops can be a great alternative for making carnitas, and can provide just as much flavor and texture as the traditional cut of meat.

In this article, we’ll explore the best techniques and ingredients to transform pork chops into a mouth-watering carnitas dish. So, let’s get started!

Can You Use Pork Chops For Carnitas?

While traditional carnitas recipes call for pork shoulder, using pork chops can be a great option for making this delicious Mexican dish. Pork chops are leaner than pork shoulder, but with the right techniques and ingredients, they can still be transformed into a juicy and flavorful carnitas dish.

When selecting pork chops for carnitas, it’s important to choose boneless cuts that are at least 1 inch thick. This will ensure that the meat stays tender and juicy during the cooking process. It’s also important to season the pork chops well with salt and pepper before cooking.

To make carnitas with pork chops, start by searing the meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Then, add garlic, onion, oregano, bay leaves, and fresh-squeezed orange juice to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the pork chops cook until they are tender and fully cooked.

Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and shred them into small pieces using two forks. Then, return the shredded meat to the skillet and cook it for a few more minutes until it is crispy on the outside.

Why Pork Chops Work For Carnitas

Pork chops are a leaner cut of meat compared to pork shoulder, but they can still work for making carnitas with a few modifications. While pork shoulder has more fat and marbling, which helps keep the meat tender and juicy during cooking, pork chops can still be transformed into a delicious carnitas dish with the right techniques.

One advantage of using pork chops for carnitas is that they are readily available and easier to find at most grocery stores. They are also typically less expensive than pork shoulder, making them a budget-friendly option for those looking to make carnitas at home.

Another benefit of using pork chops for carnitas is that they are quicker to cook compared to pork shoulder. Since pork chops are thinner and have less fat, they cook faster and require less time to braise or simmer in seasonings and lard. This makes them a great option for those who want to make carnitas quickly without sacrificing flavor.

To ensure that the pork chops stay tender and juicy during cooking, it’s important to choose boneless cuts that are at least 1 inch thick. This thickness allows the meat to stay moist and tender while cooking. Additionally, seasoning the meat well with salt and pepper before cooking will enhance the flavor and help keep the meat juicy.

Choosing The Right Pork Chops

When choosing pork chops for carnitas, it’s important to select the right cut of meat. Leaner cuts like pork loin chops are a great option as they are lower in saturated fat and calories compared to fattier cuts like pork shoulder. Look for boneless cuts that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure that the meat stays tender and juicy during the cooking process.

It’s also important to pay attention to the marbling of the meat. While too much fat can result in greasy carnitas, some marbling is necessary to add flavor and moisture to the dish. Look for pork chops with a good amount of marbling throughout the meat, but not too much on the edges.

Before cooking, season the pork chops well with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Once cooked, shred the meat into small pieces using two forks and return it to the skillet for a few more minutes until it is crispy on the outside.

Using boneless pork chops for carnitas is a great way to enjoy this delicious Mexican dish while keeping it lower in fat and calories. With the right techniques and ingredients, pork chops can be transformed into a juicy and flavorful carnitas dish that will satisfy your cravings.

Preparing The Pork Chops For Carnitas

Before preparing the pork chops for carnitas, it’s important to choose the right cuts of meat. Boneless pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick are the best option for making carnitas. It’s also important to season the pork chops well with salt and pepper before cooking.

To begin preparing the pork chops, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and let it heat up. Then, add the pork chops to the skillet and sear them until they are browned on both sides. This will help to lock in the juices and flavor of the meat.

Once the pork chops are browned, add garlic, onion, oregano, bay leaves, and fresh-squeezed orange juice to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the pork chops cook until they are tender and fully cooked. This will take approximately 20-25 minutes.

After the pork chops are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and shred them into small pieces using two forks. Then, return the shredded meat to the skillet and cook it for a few more minutes until it is crispy on the outside. This will give the carnitas its signature texture and flavor.

Finally, remove the carnitas from the skillet and place them on a serving dish. Be sure to take any remaining fat and drippings from the skillet with you to add flavor to the dish. Serve with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and lime wedges for an authentic Mexican experience.

Cooking Techniques For Pork Chop Carnitas

When cooking pork chops for carnitas, there are a few techniques that can help elevate the dish and ensure that the meat stays tender and flavorful. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose the right cut: As mentioned earlier, it’s important to choose boneless pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. This will allow for even cooking and help prevent the meat from drying out.

2. Season well: Before cooking the pork chops, be sure to season them well with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

3. Sear the meat: To get a nice crust on the outside of the pork chops, start by searing them in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. This will help lock in the juices and create a flavorful base for the rest of the dish.

4. Add aromatics: To infuse the pork chops with flavor, add garlic, onion, oregano, bay leaves, and fresh-squeezed orange juice to the skillet. These ingredients will help create a rich and complex flavor profile.

5. Cook low and slow: To ensure that the pork chops stay tender and juicy, cover the skillet and let them cook over low heat until fully cooked. This will allow the meat to slowly braise in its own juices and absorb all of the delicious flavors from the aromatics.

6. Shred and crisp: Once the pork chops are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and shred them into small pieces using two forks. Then, return the shredded meat to the skillet and cook it for a few more minutes until it is crispy on the outside. This will help create that classic carnitas texture that everyone loves.

By following these techniques, you can turn pork chops into a delicious and authentic carnitas dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. So next time you’re in the mood for some Mexican-inspired cuisine, give this recipe a try!

Seasoning And Flavoring Your Pork Chop Carnitas

To give your pork chop carnitas the best flavor possible, it’s important to season the meat with the right spices and ingredients. While there are many different seasoning options, some of the most popular include cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and brown sugar.

To begin seasoning your pork chops, mix together the spices in a small bowl. Then, generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the pork chops. Be sure to use enough seasoning to fully coat the meat and enhance its flavor.

In addition to spices, adding beer and lime juice can also help to tenderize and flavor your pork chop carnitas. Simply pour a can of beer and some fresh-squeezed lime juice into the skillet with the meat and let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed.

Finally, for a truly authentic taste, consider using a fatty cut of pork like pork shoulder or pork butt. While pork chops can still be delicious, they may not have as much natural fat and flavor as these other cuts. To make up for this, you can add extra spices and ingredients to enhance the taste of your dish.

By following these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you can create delicious and flavorful pork chop carnitas that are sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead and give it a try – you might just discover a new favorite recipe!

Serving Suggestions For Pork Chop Carnitas

Now that you’ve made delicious pork chop carnitas, it’s time to serve them up in style! Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy this tasty dish:

1. Tacos: The most traditional way to serve carnitas is in a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings. Try topping your pork chop carnitas with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

2. Burritos: If you’re looking for a heartier meal, try wrapping your pork chop carnitas in a large flour tortilla with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.

3. Nachos: Turn your pork chop carnitas into a party snack by layering them on top of crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese, salsa, and guacamole.

4. Salad: For a lighter option, try serving your pork chop carnitas on top of a bed of greens with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of lime vinaigrette.

No matter how you choose to serve them, pork chop carnitas are sure to be a hit at your next meal!