Pork carnitas is a mouth-watering Mexican dish that has become increasingly popular across the United States. The tender and juicy chunks of pork, braised in lard until crispy, are a true delight for the taste buds.
But what about the sides? What can you serve with pork carnitas to make it even more delicious? In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and tasty side dishes that pair perfectly with pork carnitas.
From classic Mexican salsas to refreshing salads and creamy vegetables, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to discover some new and exciting ways to enjoy this beloved dish!
What Sides Go With Pork Carnitas?
When it comes to serving pork carnitas, there are plenty of side dishes that can complement its rich and savory flavors. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. Mexican Salsas: Salsas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and can be a perfect accompaniment to pork carnitas. Whether you prefer a classic salsa verde or a fruity pineapple pico de gallo, these tangy and spicy condiments can add a burst of flavor to your dish.
2. Salads: If you’re looking for something refreshing to balance out the richness of pork carnitas, salads are a great option. A simple cucumber and tomato salad or a more complex watermelon feta salad can provide a cool and crisp contrast to the warm and savory pork.
3. Creamy Vegetables: Creamy vegetables like calabacitas, which is made with zucchini, corn, and cheese, can add a comforting and indulgent element to your meal. These dishes can also be a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
4. Refried Beans: Refried beans are a classic side dish in Mexican cuisine and can be a perfect complement to pork carnitas. They’re hearty, filling, and provide a nice contrast in texture to the crispy pork.
5. Grilled Avocado: Grilled avocado is a unique and delicious side dish that pairs well with pork carnitas. The creamy texture of the avocado complements the crispy pork, while the smoky flavor from grilling adds an extra layer of complexity.
Classic Mexican Salsas To Complement Pork Carnitas
One of the most popular and traditional side dishes to serve with pork carnitas are classic Mexican salsas. These tangy and spicy condiments can add a burst of flavor to your tacos and complement the richness of the pork. Here are some classic Mexican salsas that you can try:
1. Salsa Verde: Salsa verde is a classic green salsa made with tomatillos, jalapenos, onions, and cilantro. It has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with pork carnitas. You can make it at home by roasting the tomatillos and jalapenos in the oven, then blending them with the other ingredients.
2. Pico de Gallo: Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a lighter and more refreshing salsa to serve with your pork carnitas.
3. Mango Salsa: Mango salsa is a fruity and sweet salsa that can add a tropical twist to your pork carnitas. It’s made with diced mangoes, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice. The sweetness of the mangoes balances out the richness of the pork.
4. Pineapple Salsa: Pineapple salsa is another fruity option that can complement the flavors of pork carnitas. It’s made with diced pineapple, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs well with the savory pork.
No matter which salsa you choose, make sure to serve it on the side so that your guests can add as much or as little as they like to their tacos.
Refreshing And Crunchy Salads To Balance The Richness Of Pork Carnitas
If you’re looking for a refreshing and healthy side dish to balance out the richness of pork carnitas, salads are a great option. The crunchiness of the vegetables can provide a nice contrast to the tender and juicy pork, while the fresh flavors can help cleanse your palate.
One popular salad option is a simple cucumber and tomato salad. This salad is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, including sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. You can dress it up with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lime juice, and honey.
Another option is a watermelon feta salad. This salad combines sweet watermelon with salty feta cheese, tangy red onion, and fresh mint. It’s a great way to add some sweetness to your meal and can be a perfect complement to the savory pork.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more substance, you can try a black bean and corn salad. This salad is packed with protein and fiber and can be made with canned black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of cumin. It’s a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meal while still keeping it light and refreshing.
Creamy And Delicious Vegetable Sides To Pair With Pork Carnitas
If you’re looking for a side dish that is both creamy and delicious, there are several vegetable options that can complement pork carnitas perfectly. Here are some of the best creamy vegetable sides to serve with your pork carnitas:
1. Calabacitas: This creamy vegetable dish is made with zucchini, corn, and cheese, and is a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine. The combination of the sweet corn and savory cheese makes it a perfect complement to the rich flavors of pork carnitas.
2. Grilled Corn Salad: A grilled corn salad is a refreshing and creamy side dish that can add some crunch to your pork carnitas. You can use fresh or canned corn to make the salad, and a creamy lime dressing made with sour cream adds an extra layer of flavor.
3. Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices are a simple yet delicious side dish that can add some richness to your pork carnitas. You can sprinkle some salt and lime juice on top of the avocado slices to enhance their flavor.
4. Mexican Sopes: Sopes are small, thick tortillas that are topped with beans, cheese, and other toppings. They’re a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine and can be a great complement to pork carnitas.
5. Mexican Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are a classic side dish in Mexican cuisine and can be a perfect complement to pork carnitas. They’re hearty, filling, and provide a nice contrast in texture to the crispy pork.
Creative And Unexpected Side Dishes To Elevate Your Pork Carnitas Game
While traditional sides like refried beans and Mexican rice are always a safe bet, why not try some creative and unexpected side dishes to elevate your pork carnitas game? Here are some ideas to try:
1. Grilled Pineapple: Grilled pineapple is a sweet and tangy side dish that can complement the savory flavors of pork carnitas. Simply slice a pineapple into rings, brush with a mixture of honey and lime juice, and grill until caramelized.
2. Spicy Slaw: A spicy slaw can add a nice kick to your pork carnitas. Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, jalapenos, and cilantro with a dressing made of lime juice, honey, and hot sauce.
3. Charred Corn: Charred corn is a delicious and easy side dish that pairs well with pork carnitas. Grill or roast corn on the cob until slightly charred, then cut off the kernels and toss with butter, lime juice, and chili powder.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries are a tasty and unexpected side dish that can add some sweetness to your meal. Cut sweet potatoes into thin wedges, toss with olive oil and spices like paprika and cumin, then bake until crispy.
5. Mango Salsa: Mango salsa is a refreshing and fruity side dish that can balance out the richness of pork carnitas. Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice for a delicious salsa that’s perfect for dipping or topping your pork carnitas.