Last Updated on December 4, 2023
Costco carnitas recipe is a delicious Mexican dish that is sure to please any crowd. The combination of pork, spices, and other ingredients creates a flavor that can’t be beat. Whether you’re serving it as an entree, side dish, or appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit. If you’re looking for a new recipe to try, look no further than the Costco carnitas recipe.
What is Costco Carnitas?
Costco carnitas is a Mexican-style braised pork dish. The pork is cooked slowly in a flavorful combination of spices, oil, garlic, onion, and tomatoes. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful pork dish that is sure to please any crowd.
What does it taste like?
Costco carnitas recipe has a complex flavor that can’t be beat. The pork is cooked slowly in a flavorful combination of spices, oil, garlic, onion, and tomatoes.
The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful pork dish that is sure to please any crowd. The pork is cooked until it is tender and juicy, and then it is combined with the other ingredients to create an unforgettable flavor.
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Ingredients
Expeller-Pressed Avocado Cooking Oil is a preferred choice for cooking carnitas due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. When preparing carnitas, a cooking oil with a high smoke point is essential to withstand the high cooking temperatures required for achieving that crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Avocado oil’s neutral taste also allows the flavors of the spices and seasonings to shine without overpowering them.
Costco’s Savory Slow-Cooked Carnitas are used for convenience and taste. These pre-cooked carnitas from Costco offer a time-saving solution as they are already seasoned and slow-cooked, providing a flavorful base for the final dish. The slow-cooking process ensures the meat is tender and infused with savory flavors, reducing the cooking time needed to achieve the desired taste and texture for the carnitas dish.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature before you begin cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Carnitas
Open the packs of Costco’s Savory Slow-Cooked Carnitas and transfer the contents into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Season (Optional)
If desired, add extra seasonings such as salt, pepper, or your favorite spices to the carnitas in the mixing bowl. Gently toss the carnitas to ensure even coating with the seasoning.
Step 4: Coat with Avocado Oil
Drizzle expeller-pressed avocado cooking oil over the seasoned carnitas in the bowl. Use enough oil to lightly coat the meat, which aids in crisping during cooking. Thoroughly mix the carnitas to distribute the oil evenly.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned carnitas evenly on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer for uniform cooking.
Step 6: Bake in the Oven
Place the baking sheet with the carnitas in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until you notice the edges of the carnitas starting to brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Step 7: Check for Crispness
After the initial baking time, inspect the carnitas. If they haven’t achieved the desired level of crispiness, use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip them. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the carnitas reach your preferred level of crispiness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the carnitas are beautifully browned and crisped to your liking, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Serve the delicious crispy carnitas as desired and relish the flavors!
Tips
• To make the dish even more flavorful, add 1/2 cup of beer to the pot before baking.
• If you don’t have an ovenproof pot, you can cook the pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat and then transfer it to a baking dish before baking.
• If you don’t have chili powder, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
• Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The carnitas can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Costco carnitas recipe (3 ounces of pork, 1/4 cup of broth, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil) contains 250 calories, 14 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fiber.
What to serve with Costco Carnitas Recipe?
• Rice
• Tortillas
• Salad
• Guacamole
• Refried beans
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Cheese
How to Store Leftover Costco Carnitas Recipe?
Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The carnitas can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Costco Carnitas Recipe?
• Pork loin
• Chicken thighs
• Beef chuck roast
• Turkey
• Vegetables
• Beans
• Tofu
Equipment
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- Expeller-Pressed Avocado Cooking Oil
- 2 Packs of Costco’s Savory Slow-Cooked Carnitas
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Open the packs of Costco’s Savory Slow-Cooked Carnitas and transfer the contents into a large mixing bowl.
- If desired, add any additional seasonings like salt, pepper, or your favorite spices to enhance the flavor. Toss the carnitas gently to coat them evenly with the seasoning.
- Drizzle a bit of expeller-pressed avocado cooking oil over the carnitas in the bowl. Use enough oil to lightly coat the meat, which helps in crisping it up during cooking. Mix gently to ensure the oil is distributed evenly.
- Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned carnitas evenly on the baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer to allow for even cooking.
- Place the baking sheet with the carnitas in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges start to brown and crisp up. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- After the initial baking time, take a peek at the carnitas. If they haven’t crisped up to your liking, you can carefully flip them using tongs or a spatula. Put them back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
- Once the carnitas are nicely browned and crisped to your preference, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
Notes
- To make the dish even more flavorful, add 1/2 cup of beer to the pot before baking.
- If you don’t have an ovenproof pot, you can cook the pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat and then transfer it to a baking dish before baking.
- If you don’t have chili powder, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The carnitas can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long can I store the costco carnitas recipe?
A1. Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The carnitas can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q2. Can I use other meats in the costco carnitas recipe?
A2. Yes, you can use other meats such as pork loin, chicken thighs, beef chuck roast, turkey, or even vegetables such as beans or tofu.
Q3. Are there any other ingredients that I can add to the costco carnitas recipe?
A3. Yes, you can add other ingredients such as beer, cayenne pepper, or even lime juice and cilantro for extra flavor.
Q4. What type of pot should I use for the costco carnitas recipe?
A4. You should use an oven-proof pot for the costco carnitas recipe. If you don’t have an oven-proof pot, you can cook the pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat and then transfer it to a baking dish before baking.
Q5. How much time does it take to make the costco carnitas recipe?
A5. It takes about 1 hour to make the costco carnitas recipe.
Q6. How many servings does the costco carnitas recipe make?
A6. The costco carnitas recipe makes 6-8 servings.
Q7. Is costco carnitas recipe healthy?
A7. Yes, costco carnitas recipe is a healthy dish. It is low in fat and high in protein.
Conclusion
Costco carnitas recipe is a flavorful and delicious Mexican-style braised pork dish that is sure to please any crowd. The pork is cooked in a flavorful combination of spices, oil, garlic, onion, and tomatoes, creating a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish.
The dish can be served as an entree, side dish, or appetizer. With its complex and unforgettable flavor, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
