15 Leftover Carnitas Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How many pounds of carnitas for 10 people? ›

Making a big batch of carnitas is a great way to feed a crowd. Boneless pork butt loses about half of its weight during the cooking process. For a party, you want to plan for about ⅓-1/2 pound of pulled pork per person.

FREEZING: You can also freeze carnitas meat right after you pulled it. Portion meat into freezer bags, let all air out and seal. Label, date, and freeze them.

The orange juice in the cooking liquid provides acidity that helps break down the meat so it's extra tender and juicy.

In addition to pork carnitas tacos, you can also eat carnitas as a filling for enchiladas, tuck them into a quesadilla, turn them into a burrito bowl, make an epic grilled cheese—there's pretty much no wrong way to enjoy them. Flavorful, But Not Overly Spicy.

So to determine the exact amount needed, use this simple equation: Number of guests x 0.33 (minimum) - 0.75 (maximum) pounds of pulled pork per person = weight of pulled pork required. Based on these calculations, preparing 7 to 15 pounds of pulled pork should be enough pork.

Depends on what else is being served. Rule of Thumb is 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 lb cooked per person. An uncooked 8lb butt will yield about 4lb cooked. That's enough for 16, 12, 8 depending on serving size.

Carnitas are a popular Mexican dish made with seasoned and slow-cooked pork, typically served in tacos, burritos, or on its own. If cooked and stored properly, carnitas can last for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.

USDA recommends using cooked pork within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40 °F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.

Up to 3 Days Ahead: Braise the Double-Pork Carnitas; cover and chill in the braising liquid and rendered fat. The flavor gets better with time.

Carnitas are so versatile, you can fill any burrito, taco, quesadilla OR use them as a topping for Nachos! Include them in a salad like this Chipotle Carnitas Salad! Serve them with the typical onion/cilantro topping typically seen served on Mexican food trucks OR a good Guacamole or Pico De Gallo!

Why do you put milk in carnitas? ›

The milk acts as a tenderizer, a secret I learned while growing up watching dad make his carnitas which, by the way, were always exceptionally tender.

A surprising ingredient here, sweetened condensed milk, helps the pork caramelize during cooking. Source a well-marbled pork roast for this recipe; the extra fat doubles down on the rich pork flavor.

Slow cooking blends the flavors in this pork carnitas sauce.

Carnitas is associated with festive occasions, and it's usually consumed during weekends, particularly on Sundays, the traditional “mercado”, or marketplace, day in Mexico. Carnitas vendors are a common, some would even say indispensable, sight at any tianguis (another word for marketplace!) in all states.

Traditionally, carnitas are served in tortillas and topped with cilantro, diced onion, salsa, and even guacamole. You can serve your pork carnitas with other toppings you may love such as: shredded cheese or crumbled cotija.

About four pounds is enough to serve eight to 12 people once the meat is cooked. You can easily make a half batch, but carnitas freeze extremely well, so think about making the full order!

Carnitas 1 lb Cooked(6-8 servings) - Menu Ordering - Tuesdays Street Tacos & Burritos - Mexican Restaurant in Columbus, GA.

A serving of pulled pork is about 5 ounces, before its cooked. So, one pound for every 3 people. Technically, you would need 3 lbs, 5 oz. of raw pork to feed 10 adults one serving each.

Pulled pork calculations

For 10 people, you'll want about 6.5 pounds of boneless and 10 pounds of bone-in pork shoulder. For 20 people, you'll need approximately 13 pounds of boneless and 20 pounds of bone-in raw pork butt. For 50 people, you'll need about 33 pounds of boneless and 50 pounds of bone-in pork shoulder.