This post was sponsored by Smithfield as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
This easy recipe for pork carnitas is devoured by the entire family and is versatile enough that it works great for leftovers!
Like the majority of people, we love a good taco night. It’s one of those rare meals that each person can totally customize their own meal according to their tastes.
Although, with the exception of one little girl who shall remain nameless, this family stands firm in the “Use Every Single Topping You Can Think” camp. The more flavor, the better.
But, our theory was put to the test with Smithfield® Seasoned Carnitas. This pre-seasoned meat is packed so full of flavor already, that you really didn’t need to add too much else. In fact, the fewer toppings you added, the more you could appreciate all of the different flavors that the pork was slow marinated with!
Which made for an even easier prep time in the kitchen! I’m always down with that. It’s almost absurd, though, how little time you’ll have to spend in order to put such a delicious meal on the table.
Since the pork shoulder is already pre-seasoned, you just need to pop it in your slow cooker and go on about your day. I kid you not, there’s nothing else involved.
This is the epitome of real flavor real fast. Which, if your family is anything like ours, comes in pretty handy on those busy school nights! It’s great to know that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor even when you’re busy running from one activity to the next!
During the last 15 minutes while it’s cooking, you can start pulling out your toppings, quick whip up the avocado dressing and then shred your meat. Slow cooking it makes it so tender that shredding is done in no time! It shreds like buttah!
I’m telling you, this easy recipe for pork carnitas will have you wondering why you don’t make it once a week! Especially because the Smithfield Seasoned Carnitas makes enough for a second dinner as well!
We love the leftover carnita meat! We’ll often make quesadillas the next day, make a taco salad for lunch, just eat it plain or even make enchiladas if there is enough! It reheats beautifully and is great for busy weeks when you don’t always have time to make 2 separate meals!
The Smithfield Seasoned Carnitas stays moist and flavorful and could not be any easier to prepare!
Easy Recipe for Pork Carnitas
- 1 Smithfield Seasoned Carnitas
- Flour Tortillas
- Cilantro
- Toppings: Cheese (tomatoes, onions, black olives, avocados)
- Avocado Cream:
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- In a slow cooker, cook your Smithfield Seasoned Carnitas according to the package instructions.
- About 15 minutes before it is done, start chopping your tomatoes, onions and cilantro.
- To make the Avocado Cream: blend all ingredients in a small food processor.
- Once your meat is done, transfer to a cutting board and shred with 2 forks. Assemble your carnitas and drizzle with the avocado cream.
The day I made these, 2 friends stopped by and later my family came home from school and work. Every single person was barely in the door before they started commenting on the smell! It was amazing! In fact, I felt bad for my poor dog because the smell had him sitting in the kitchen for hours just drooling!
It’s real flavor real fast and your family will thank you for it!
I’m begging you to all head to Food Lion to grab a Smithfield Seasoned Carnitas and try it for yourself! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to provide a delicious meal for your family even on busy nights!
If you visit the Smithfield website, there are lots of other recipe ideas too! We can’t wait to try their recipe for Carnitas Tamale Pie! Check it out HERE!
Be sure to follow them on social media for other great recipes and meal ideas!
- Smithfield Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CookingwithSmithfield
- Smithfield Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmithfieldBrand
And don’t forget to pin this easy recipe pork carnitas, so you can come back and enjoy it later!
WENDI
Tuesday 31st of January 2017
This is delicious! The only things we did differently were we used 4oz of spicey Wholly Guacamole instead of avacado and we used corn tortillas. Next time I will try the flour tortillas. I think I might hit like it even better that way.
Natalie
Friday 3rd of February 2017
Ohh, that sounds delicious too! And now you have me in the mood to make it again! Glad you enjoyed it!
2pots2cook
Friday 16th of December 2016
Hi Natalie ! Thank you for sharing this great recipe with us. I wish you have a pleasant holidays !