Costco carnitas recipe – Bex’s Kitchen

Last Updated on December 4, 2023

Look no further than this easy and flavorful Costco Carnitas recipe! This Mexican-inspired dish is made with pork shoulder and a variety of spices and seasonings.

The juicy and tender pork is served with a variety of sides, such as rice, beans, and tortillas. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also extremely simple to make.

 Read on to learn how to make the most of your Costco Carnitas.

What is Costco Carnitas?

Costco Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish made with pork shoulder. The pork is usually marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.

Afterward, the pork is slow-cooked until it is fork-tender. The result is a juicy and flavorful dish that can be served with a variety of sides.

Why You’ll Love this Costco Carnitas?

This Costco Carnitas recipe is a great way to enjoy Mexican-style food without having to spend a lot of time or money.

The pork is slow-cooked, which requires minimal effort and very little hands-on time. Plus, the cost of the ingredients is relatively low, making it a budget-friendly option.

 Lastly, this dish is incredibly flavorful and can be served with a variety of sides.

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The ingredients

1/2 package of Artisanal Costco Carnitas Meat, slow-cooked to tender perfection: The Costco Carnitas Meat is the star ingredient, slow-cooked to achieve tender perfection. The slow-cooking process ensures the meat is flavorful, juicy, and easily shreds for a delicious and authentic carnitas experience.

Cotija Cheese, crumbled in generous portions, adding a touch of Mexican authenticity: Cotija cheese is crumbled generously over the carnitas to provide a touch of Mexican authenticity. Its salty and crumbly texture complements the richness of the meat, adding a distinctive flavor to the tacos.

Cilantro, freshly picked and chopped for a burst of herbal freshness as a delightful garnish: Freshly picked and chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness to the tacos. Its bright and citrusy notes enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a refreshing and vibrant element.

Avocado, cubed into luscious green gems: Cubed avocado adds a creamy and luscious texture to the tacos. The mild and buttery flavor of avocado complements the boldness of the carnitas, creating a harmonious balance.

Lime Wedges, presented for a zesty citrus squeeze during serving: Lime wedges are provided for a zesty citrus squeeze, allowing diners to customize the level of acidity in their tacos. The citrusy burst enhances the flavors of the carnitas and adds brightness to each bite.

Jalapeno, thinly sliced for a hint of spicy kick: Thinly sliced jalapeno adds a hint of spicy kick to the tacos, providing a contrast to the richness of the meat and cheese. It adds a layer of heat and complexity to the flavor profile.

Pickled Onions, brined to tangy perfection, adding a pop of flavor: Pickled onions bring a tangy and briny element to the tacos, cutting through the richness of the carnitas. Their vibrant and bold flavor profile adds a pop of taste and texture.

Flour Tortillas, handcrafted and warmed to create the perfect culinary vessel for this exquisite taco experience: Flour tortillas serve as the vessel for the taco, providing a soft and pliable base that complements the tender carnitas. Handcrafted and warmed, they add authenticity and enhance the overall eating experience, allowing the flavors to shine.

Directions

Step 1: Slow-Cook the Artisanal Costco Carnitas Meat

• Follow the package instructions for slow-cooking the Artisanal Costco Carnitas Meat until it reaches a tender and easily shredded consistency. Alternatively, use your preferred slow-cooking method to achieve the desired results.

Step 2: Warm Flour Tortillas

• Heat the flour tortillas either in a dry skillet or microwave until they become warm and pliable.
• Keep the warmed tortillas covered with a kitchen towel to retain their heat while preparing the other components.

Step 3: Assemble the Base

• Lay out the warmed flour tortillas on a clean surface to create a taco assembly station.
• Place a generous portion of the slow-cooked Costco Carnitas Meat in the center of each tortilla, creating the base of the tacos.

 Step 4: Add Toppings

• Sprinkle crumbled Cotija Cheese over the carnitas meat to impart a touch of Mexican authenticity and a rich, savory flavor.

Step 5: Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Scatter freshly chopped cilantro over the tacos, introducing a burst of herbal freshness to complement the savory meat.
• Add cubed avocado on top of the carnitas for a creamy and luscious green element.

Step 6: Spice it Up

• Thinly slice jalapenos and arrange them on the tacos for a hint of spicy kick, adding a layer of heat to the flavor profile.

Step 7: Briny and Tangy Touch

• Place a spoonful of pickled onions on each taco, providing a briny and tangy pop of flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Step 8: Serve with Lime Wedges

• Serve the Costco Carnitas Tacos with lime wedges on the side.
• Encourage diners to squeeze fresh lime juice over their tacos for a zesty citrus finish that brightens up the flavors.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

• Present the assembled tacos on a platter or individual plates for a visually appealing presentation.
• Invite everyone to customize their tacos further with additional condiments or hot sauce according to their taste preferences.

Step 10: Savor the Flavorful Experience

• Encourage everyone to grab a taco, savoring the delightful combination of tender carnitas, creamy avocado, tangy pickled onions, and the kick of jalapeno.
• Enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite, creating a memorable and flavorful dining experience.

Notes

• The pork can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• The pork can also be cooked in a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot instead of a slow cooker.
• If you don’t have citrus juices, you can substitute with a combination of apple cider vinegar and water.
•  You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.
•  The pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Storage Tips

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the pork in a skillet with a few tablespoons of water or broth and heat over medium-high heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

One serving of this Costco Carnitas recipe contains approximately 220 calories, 10 grams of fat, 27 grams of protein, and 11 grams of carbohydrates.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice
• Beans
• Tortillas
• Avocado
• Cheese
• Tomatoes
• Sour cream

What other substitute can I use in costco carnitas?

Apple cider vinegar: If you don’t have citrus juices, you can substitute with a combination of apple cider vinegar and water.

Onion: You can add in a diced onion for additional flavor.

Cilantro: Chopped cilantro can be added for a fresh and herbal flavor.

Jalapeño: For a spicier version, add in a diced jalapeño.

Chipotle chilies: Chipotle chilies in adobo sauce can be added for a smoky flavor.

Tomato paste: Tomato paste can be used instead of fresh tomatoes.

Worcestershire sauce: A small amount of Worcestershire sauce can be added to the marinade for additional flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of pork for Costco Carnitas?

The best cut of pork for this recipe is pork shoulder, as it is both tender and juicy and is great for slow-cooking.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be frozen. To freeze, simply place the cooked pork in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Do I have to marinate the pork?

Marinating the pork is not required, but it does help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe

Yes, you can add vegetables to this recipe. Simply sauté the vegetables in the same skillet as the pork and add them to the slow cooker.

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, other types of meat, such as chicken and beef, can be used in this recipe.

Conclusion

Costco Carnitas is an easy and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that can be made with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

The pork is marinated in a mixture of citrus juices and spices, then slow-cooked until it is fork-tender.

This dish can be served with a variety of sides and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness of Costco Carnitas!

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