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Carnitas Fajitas

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🌮 Enjoy the authentic taste of slow-cooked pork carnitas combined with vibrant sautéed peppers and onions in this flavorful fajita recipe.
🔥 Perfect for easy weeknight meals or entertaining, this dish offers a satisfying balance of tender meat and crisp vegetables with customizable toppings.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

– 2 lbs pork shoulder Provides the tender base for the carnitas.

– 1 tbsp olive oil Used for searing and adding richness.

– 1 large onion, sliced Adds sweetness and texture to the mix.

– 3 bell peppers (varied colors), sliced Brings vibrant color and crunch.

– 4 garlic cloves, minced Enhances the savory flavor profile.

– 1 tsp cumin Offers a warm, earthy spice.

– 1 tsp smoked paprika Adds a smoky depth.

– Salt and pepper to taste Seasons and balances the flavors.

– Onions (cut into strips; quantity not specified) Extra for sautéing as needed.

– Bell peppers (cut into strips, any color; quantity not specified) More if you want to amp up the veggies.

– Salt (quantity not specified) For additional seasoning.

– Pepper (quantity not specified) To adjust spice levels.

– Sweet Spanish paprika (quantity not specified) For that extra zest.

– Vegetable oil (quantity not specified) Ideal for frying the veggies.

– Pork carnitas (prepared separately; ingredients and quantities for this not detailed) The star of the show.

– Flour or corn tortillas Essential for wrapping everything up.

Instructions

1-Diving into this carnitas fajitas recipe is straightforward and fun, starting with preparing your ingredients for the best results. First, trim the pork shoulder and cut it into chunks to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor. This step sets the foundation for tender, juicy meat that makes the dish special.

2-Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork until it’s nicely browned. This locks in the flavors before you move on. Then, in the same pan, sauté the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they soften, building layers of taste.

3-Add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly for that authentic Mexican punch. Return the pork to the pan, cover it, and let it cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is easy to shred. Once done, shred the carnitas right in the pan and mix it with the veggies.

4-Warm your tortillas in a skillet or oven to make them pliable. Assemble the fajitas by adding the shredded carnitas mixture, then top with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salsa for extra zing. To link it with more ideas, check out our easy dessert recipes like peach cobbler for a sweet finish to your meal.

Last Step:

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Notes

🔥 Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a nicely charred flavor on peppers and onions.
🥘 Pork carnitas can be made ahead and refrigerated, making this dish great for meal prep.
🌶️ Leftover carnitas are versatile and can be used in salads, quesadillas, or frozen for later use.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Slow Cooker Time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking and Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten-Free Option

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fajita