Pineapple Chipotle Carnitas

These pineapple chipotle carnitas are always a great recipe when you are in need of a quick weeknight meal. We love taco night in my house because the kids can get involved with cooking! This is perfect family time because it makes room for talking to your children about their lives. They can feel comfortable and open up while at the dinner table while enjoying a delicious meal. These memories will last a lifetime. This recipe is made in slow-cooker so it is easy clean up and can be made at any time. This recipe will make you want to have "Taco Tuesday" every night of the week!

This is a great recipe for a party too! You might need a neighbor to stop with their crock pot to help double the recipe, but you will have the whole block asking how you made this amazing chipotle inspired meat. The pork will stay juicy and flavorful, even while your guests enjoy the party and mingle. Try this for your next Cinco de Mayo gathering!

Ingredients

• pork
• sea salt
• black pepper
• chili powder
• onion powder
• cumin 
• oregano
• garlic powder 
• chipotle purée
• lime juice 
• cilantro 
• apple juice 
• pineapple chunks 
• Purple cabbage
• Sour cream 
• Queso fresco

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

To make Pineapple Chipotle Carnitas, start by placing your pork tenderloin in the crock pot. Add all dry ingredients to a small bowl and mix. Pour all wet ingredients over pork, then sift your dry ingredients over. 

Cook on low for 8 hours or in high for 4-5 hours. Pork will shred easily when done. 

Hint: this party favorite can be served out of the same crock pot that it is cooked in for a simple and impressive taco bar station.

Substitutions

Chipotle Ingredients

• Protein- You can use Springer Mountain Farms chicken breasts. They have amazing quality, flavor, and commitment to no antibiotics, hormones, or animal by-products in their feed.
• Queso Fresco - use your favorite shredded cheese
• Purple cabbage - use shredded iceberg lettuce, or your favorite lettuce
• Canned pineapple - use 15 oz of cubed fresh pineapple

Carnitas Cravings

• Extra Chipotle Spice - add 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 chopped chili peppers (jalapeno or serrano)
• Bowl - instead of serving as a taco, make it a bowl by serving over rice and beans
• Kid friendly - serve over macaroni and cheese

Equipment

This recipe is meant for cooking in a crock pot (slow cooker), but you can use a Dutch oven, with a lid, in a conventional oven. Cook at 350 degrees F with the lid on for 3 hours, checking every hour to make sure there is enough liquid remaining, add ½ cup chicken stock if liquid gets low.

Storage

Store the cooked carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Reheat leftovers to 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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