Ancho Carnitas Recipe

Transform leftover shredded pork (or roast!) into sensational Ancho Carnitas! This vibrant recipe, inspired by Diana Kennedy, features a tangy, spicy ancho chile sauce that's quick to make and incredibly flavorful. Customize the heat with serrano peppers – a single one adds amazing flair, but you can omit them entirely for a milder dish. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, these carnitas are also fridge-friendly, lasting for days!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 344.7 kcal
Protein 90g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Ancho Carnitas 80

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Ancho Carnitas

  • 1 1/2 lbs pork shoulder
  • 3-4 ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 serranos, stemmed
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh savory
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 12 corn tortillas

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How to Make Ancho Carnitas

  1. Combine all sauce ingredients (see below) in a blender and blend until completely smooth. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Pour the ancho sauce into the hot skillet and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to slightly reduce and deepen in flavor.
  4. Add the shredded pork to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the pork evenly with the sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly and clings to the meat.
  5. Serve your delicious Ancho Carnitas immediately in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like pico de gallo, rice, and shredded cheese. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

21 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

26g

Carbs

1g

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