Fresh And Vibrant Chipotle Carnitas Burrito Recipe
Ah, the siren song of Chipotle. The aroma of smoky adobo peppers mingling with juicy, tender carnitas, all nestled in a warm tortilla with a symphony of fresh toppings – it’s enough to make any stomach rumble. But what if I told you that you could recreate that restaurant-quality experience right at home, ditch the delivery fees, and unleash your inner burrito architect? Buckle up, because this Chipotle Carnitas Burrito Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
This recipe isn’t about settling for a pale imitation. We’re talking slow-cooked pork shoulder bathed in a smoky chipotle adobo sauce, bursting with flavor and ready to be shredded into succulent goodness. We’ll build upon that base with fluffy rice, vibrant salsa fresca, cooling crema, and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese – a flavor explosion waiting to happen in every single bite.
This Chipotle Carnitas Burrito Recipe is your passport to a world of smoky flavors, customizable toppings, and the joy of creating a delicious and impressive meal from scratch. Let’s get cooking!
Chipotle Carnitas Burrito Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings6
minutes20
minutes588-646
kcalIngredients
The Carnitas Star:
3-pound boneless pork shoulder (also called pork butt) – This cut of meat is ideal for slow-cooking, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful.
Smokey Inspiration:
1 (25-ounce) can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – These smoky chilies are the heart and soul of the flavor profile.Start with less and add more for a bolder kick.
2 tablespoons of olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the sauce.
Flavor Builders:
1 white onion, diced – Onion adds a savory base to the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds another layer of savory depth.
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Fire-roasted tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and vibrant tomato flavor.
1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth – Chicken broth adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
1 teaspoon of dried oregano – Oregano is a classic Mexican spice that pairs beautifully with chipotle peppers.
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin – Cumin adds a warm, earthy note to the sauce.
1 teaspoon of dried thyme – Thyme adds another layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – Don’t forget these flavor essentials!
Building the Base:
4 large flour tortillas – Warm tortillas are essential for a flexible and delicious burrito.
Fresh Fixings:
2 cups of cooked white rice or brown rice – Fluffy rice serves as a delicious base for the burrito fillings.
1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce – Romaine lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro – Cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous touch.
1 ripe avocado, sliced or mashed – Avocado adds a creamy richness and healthy fats.
1/2 cup of crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese (optional) – These salty cheeses add a delightful textural contrast.
Chopped red onion (optional) – For a bit of extra bite and flavor.
Salsa fresca (optional) – For a burst of fresh flavor and acidity.
Crema (optional) – A cooling and creamy topping, traditionally made with sour cream and lime juice.
Directions
- The Sizzle of Flavor: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. This step adds a savory base to the sauce.
- Chipotle Char: Add the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the pan with the softened onions. Cook for a minute, releasing their smoky fragrance. Be careful not to burn them, as this can make the sauce bitter.
- Building the Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. This forms the base of your smoky and flavorful sauce.
- Spice Symphony: Stir in the dried oregano, ground cumin, and dried thyme. These classic Mexican spices will marry beautifully with the smoky chipotle peppers. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
- Carnitas Prep: While the sauce simmers, trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder.
- Slow Cooker Magic: Carefully transfer the seasoned pork shoulder to your slow cooker. Pour the simmering chipotle sauce over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork shoulder is falling-apart tender.
- Shredding Success: Once the pork shoulder is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker with tongs and place it on a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- Browning the Beauty: Reserve some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker (about 1/4 cup). Add the shredded pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges start to brown and crisp. This step adds another layer of flavor and texture to the carnitas.
- Building the Flavor Fiesta: While the carnitas brown, prepare your toppings. Cook the white rice according to package instructions. Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and cilantro. Slice or mash the avocado, and crumble the queso fresco or cotija cheese (if using). Warm your tortillas according to package instructions (usually a quick zap in the microwave or a couple of minutes in a hot skillet).
- Burrito Bonanza: Lay a warmed tortilla flat and spread a generous scoop of the smoky chipotle carnitas in the center. Top it with some fluffy white rice, a sprinkle of vibrant cilantro, and a dollop of creamy avocado slices or mashed avocado. For those who love extra flavor and texture, add some crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, chopped red onion (if using), and a dollop of salsa fresca and crema (if using).
- The Art of Wrapping: Gently fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom end up and tightly roll the burrito towards the top, securing all those delicious fillings inside. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for the remaining tortillas and ingredients. Congratulations, you’ve just conquered the art of the Chipotle Carnitas Burrito!
Recipe Video
Tips For Chipotle Carnitas Burrito Recipe
Your journey to Chipotle Carnitas Burrito mastery doesn’t end with the recipe steps. Here are some insider tips to elevate your creation and ensure every bite is a smoky, flavorful fiesta:
Taming the Chipotle Heat: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce pack a punch! Start with less, especially if you’re new to smoky flavors. Adjust the amount to your preference. Remember, you can always add more chipotle peppers later, but taming the heat after the fact is much harder!
Leftover Magic: Leftover shredded carnitas can be used for other dishes like tacos, nachos, or even carnitas bowls. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Don’t Overcook the Pork Shoulder: Overcooked pork shoulder can become dry and stringy. Once the pork shoulder is tender enough to pierce with a fork and easily shreds, it’s done.
Shortcut Savvy: Short on time? Use pre-shredded pork shoulder from the butcher to save a step. Just be sure to choose pork shoulder that isn’t pre-seasoned, so you can control the flavor profile.
Guac Attack!: No self-respecting Chipotle-inspired dish is complete without guacamole! Make your own or grab some store-bought guacamole for a creamy and delicious side.
Cheese Exploration: Queso fresco and cotija cheese are classic options, but feel free to experiment with other crumbly cheeses like feta or shredded Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Fresh is Best: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a vibrant touch to the crema (if using). Pre-bottled lime juice can have a harsher flavor.
The Art of Wrapping: Warm tortillas are more pliable and less likely to tear when wrapping your burrito. A tight roll ensures all those delicious fillings stay put.
Customize Your Rice: Feel free to swap the white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower carb option.
Toppings Galore: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings like grilled vegetables, pickled onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Serving Tips For Chipotle Carnitas Burrito Recipe
The smoky, succulent magic of your homemade Chipotle Carnitas deserves a stage worthy of its bold flavors and textures. But who says it has to be confined to a tortilla? Here are some creative serving suggestions to transform your Chipotle Carnitas Burrito recipe into a complete and visually stunning meal:
- Bowl Bliss: Ditch the tortilla and transform your Chipotle Carnitas into a vibrant bowl meal! Serve the smoky carnitas mixture over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. Add your favorite burrito toppings like chopped romaine lettuce, fresh cilantro, creamy avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Don’t forget a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese for a delightful textural contrast.
- Nacho Party: Turn your Chipotle Carnitas into a crowd-pleasing party starter! Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top them with the smoky carnitas mixture, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos (for those who love heat!), and black beans (optional). Broil in the oven until the cheese melts and is bubbly. Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for the ultimate nacho experience.
- Taco Takeover: These smoky chipotle carnitas tacos are sure to be a hit! Warm your corn or flour tortillas according to package instructions. Fill them with the chipotle carnitas mixture, a dollop of creamy avocado crema, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Salad Sensation: Looking for a lighter option? The smoky carnitas can be enjoyed on a bed of fresh greens! Top a bed of romaine lettuce or mixed greens with the chipotle carnitas mixture, crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese, sliced avocado, chopped red onion, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Enchilada Extravaganza: Feeling adventurous? Leftover chipotle carnitas can be used as a delicious filling for homemade enchiladas. Spread the flavorful mixture in corn tortillas, roll them up, top them with your favorite enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Enjoy a hearty and satisfying Tex-Mex feast!
Nutrition in Chipotle Carnitas Burrito Recipe
The beauty of the Chipotle Carnitas Burrito lies in its customizability. Depending on the ingredients you choose and the portion size you enjoy, the nutritional profile can vary. Here’s a breakdown to give you an idea of the nutritional landscape before you dig into this smoky and delicious creation:
- Carnitas Considerations: Pork shoulder itself is a good source of protein, but it can also be high in fat. Trimming excess fat before cooking and using leaner cuts like pork loin can help reduce the overall fat content.
- Smokey Spice and Sodium: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a burst of flavor but also contribute to sodium content. Use them in moderation and adjust the amount to your preference. Consider using low-sodium chicken broth for the sauce to keep the sodium in check.
- Carb Conscious Choices: The type of rice you choose plays a significant role in the carbohydrate content of your dish. Opt for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower carb option compared to white rice.
- Veggie Power: Diced tomatoes add vitamins and a touch of sweetness to the sauce. Cilantro and optional chopped red onion provide a refreshing touch and essential vitamins.
- Creamy Considerations: Avocado adds healthy fats and a touch of creaminess to the crema (if using), but it also adds calories. For a lighter option, use less avocado or substitute Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative.
Conclusion
The Chipotle Carnitas Burrito Recipe has unveiled its secrets, empowering you to craft a smoky, flavorful masterpiece right at home. This recipe transcends the limitations of the ordinary burrito, transforming it into a symphony of taste and texture. Forget the greasy takeout menus and embrace the joy of cooking – the sizzle of the pork shoulder, the vibrant aroma of chipotle peppers, and the satisfying heft of a perfectly wrapped burrito bursting with juicy carnitas.
But remember, this recipe is just the beginning of your culinary adventure. Feel free to experiment! Swap the chipotle peppers for a different kind of chili paste, like guajillo, for a sweeter and smokier twist. Add grilled corn or fajita vegetables for extra color, texture, and a touch of sweetness. Embrace different cheeses, toppings, and serving styles – the possibilities are endless!
So, ditch the inhibitions and unleash your inner culinary artist. With each bite of this Chipotle Carnitas Burrito, you’ll be transported to a world of smoky depths, tender pork, and a fresh and flavorful fiesta in your mouth. It’s a testament to the versatility of slow-cooked pork and the magic that happens when bold flavors collide.
FAQs
What cut of meat is Chipotle carnitas?
Chipotle carnitas are typically made from pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. Pork shoulder is a well-marbled cut of meat that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked, making it ideal for carnitas.
What berry is in Chipotle carnitas?
There is no berry in Chipotle carnitas. Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish made from slow-cooked pork, typically seasoned with citrus juices, garlic, and spices. The mention of a berry may be a misconception or confusion with other dishes that use berries as ingredients.
What kind of meat is carnitas?
Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish made from pork that is slow-cooked until tender and flavorful. The pork is typically seasoned with citrus juices (such as orange or lime), garlic, bay leaves, and spices, then cooked low and slow until it is fall-apart tender.
Marie Johnson is an accomplished recipe blog writer, blending her passion for cooking with her knack for storytelling. With years of experience in the culinary world, Marie’s writing transports readers into the heart of her kitchen, where every dish tells a delicious tale. Her recipes are not just instructions; they’re invitations to embark on culinary adventures, exploring flavors, cultures, and traditions.
