Easy and Flavorful Carnitas Chimichangas Recipe

Carnitas Chimichangas are a delicious and traditional Mexican dish that combines tender, flavorful pork with a crispy, golden exterior. Perfect for home cooks, Mexican cuisine lovers, and cooking enthusiasts, this guide will take you through each step to create this mouth-watering meal.

Carnitas Chimichangas

Ingredients

To create authentic Carnitas Chimichangas, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Carnitas:

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into large chunks
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves

For the Chimichangas:

  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Carnitas

  1. Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the pork chunks with the minced garlic, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Toss to coat the meat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
  2. Slow-Cook the Pork:
    • Place the marinated pork chunks in a slow cooker.
    • Add the quartered onion, bay leaves, orange juice, and chicken broth.
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
    1. Shred the Meat:
    • Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl.
    • Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
    • Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker to keep it warm and absorb the flavorful juices.

    2. Assemble the Chimichangas

    1. Warm the Tortillas:
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Warm each tortilla for about 20 seconds on each side to make them pliable.
    1. Fill the Tortillas:
    • Place a warm tortilla on a flat surface.
    • Add a generous amount of shredded carnitas in the center of the tortilla.
    • Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
    1. Fold the Chimichangas:
    • Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling.
    • Roll up from the bottom to create a secure, burrito-like wrap.

    3. Fry the Chimichangas

    1. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large, deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
    1. Fry the Chimichangas:
    • Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil.
    • Fry until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
    • Use tongs to remove the chimichangas and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

    4. Serve and Enjoy

    1. Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve the chimichangas hot, topped with your favorite optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and cilantro.
    • Garnish with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
    1. Enhance the Dish:
    • Pair the chimichangas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
    • Enjoy with a refreshing drink, such as horchata or a cold cerveza.

    Conclusion

    Carnitas Chimichangas are a delightful way to enjoy traditional Mexican flavors in a crispy, satisfying package. By following these steps, you'll be able to create restaurant-quality chimichangas in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and sides to make this dish truly your own.

    Happy cooking and buen provecho!

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