Delicious Carnitas Tostadas: A Flavorful Mexican Delight

Carnitas TostadasPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Carnitas Tostadas are a delightful Mexican dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of tender pork carnitas with crispy tostada shells and fresh toppings.

Get the Recipe Details: Carnitas Tostadas

Ingredients

• For the Carnitas:
• • 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1 cup chicken broth
• For the Tostadas:
• • 8-10 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can of refried beans, warmed
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or queso fresco)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Carnitas:
2. • In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the pork shoulder chunks and sear on all sides until browned about 8-10 minutes.
   • Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
   • Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
   • Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
   • Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.
3. Assemble the Tostadas:
4. • Spread a layer of warmed refried beans on each tostada shell.
   • Top the beans with a generous amount of shredded carnitas.
   • Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced red onion on top of the carnitas.
   • Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
   • Add avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
5. Serve:
6. • Serve the tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
   • Offer salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for additional toppings if desired.

Conclusion

Carnitas Tostadas are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines the succulent flavors of pork carnitas with the crunch of tostada shells and fresh toppings. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these tostadas are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and savor the delicious combination of textures and flavors!