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What to Serve With Carnitas

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Pork carnitas are a delicious, crispy pork taco recipe and they make for an amazing meal. Make it a full, well rounded meal with these recipe ideas of what to serve with carnitas and you will have a perfect dinner the whole family will love!

Overhead view of pressure cooker pork carnitas with onion and cilantro.

What are carnitas?

Carnitas translates to "little meats" and is a pork dish that originated in Mexico. It is typically made by simmering or braising pork in oil or lard until super tender. This slow cooker version from My Latina Table is a great recipe!

We make these crispy Instant Pot Pork Carnitas pretty often although if you can even make these in the slow cooker, that is truly where the flavor is. But I don't always have the time to slow cook, so sometimes the Instant Pot is my best friend.

Why We Love Carnitas:

  • They are easy to make. Whether you are braising, slow cooking or making them in your Instant pot, carnitas are actually quite simple to whip up.
  • Leftovers are great to use in so many ways. You don't just have to use the meat in tacos. There are so many options for ways to use your Mexican pulled pork!
  • They are freezer friendly. You can pop leftover carnitas in the freezer for another meal when you are in a pinch and need a delicious dinner the family will love. Thaw and heat and add to tacos.
  • They are SO crispy and delicious. When I make our Instant Pot Carnitas, getting them nice and crispy in the end is key. Popping them in the oven to broil just for a few minutes seals the deal and makes them so irresistible.
Carnitas tacos topped with red onion and cilantro.

What to top your carnitas with:

Traditionally, carnitas are served in tortillas and topped with cilantro, diced onion, salsa, and even guacamole. You can serve your pork carnitas with other toppings you may love such as:

  • shredded cheese or crumbled cotija
  • jalapeño
  • shredded cabbage
  • cilantro lime slaw
  • diced avocado
  • lettuce and tomato
  • sour cream
  • lemon or lime juice
  • pico de gallo
  • sliced radish

Other Uses for Carnitas Meat:

You can use the meat you make for pork carnitas in so many ways other than tacos.

We love to use them in these Pulled Pork Nachos. Leftover carnitas for the win! They are also great in quesadillas, burritos, over sweet potatoes, on sandwiches, and in enchiladas.

We also love adding them to omelettes and breakfast hash recipes. I toss some carnitas into this sweet potato breakfast hash some days!

What to serve with your pork carnitas:

It is quite easy to get carried away and simply eat several pork tacos and want nothing else. And that is fine. But if you are looking for some delicious side dishes to round out your dinner, try one of these!

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob with Cilantro Lime Butter Sauce
Want the amazing taste of grilled corn without stepping outside? This Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is a perfect way to get the delicious browned corn and cooked in just ten minutes. A simple Cilantro Lime Butter Sauce pairs perfectly with this corn and will be a hit at your next cookout or weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe
Cilantro lime air fryer corn on the cob sitting on brown parchment.
3 Bean Avocado Corn Salad
This simple 3 Bean Avocado Corn Salad is a dip or a salad that is certainly a way to eat the rainbow. Packed with flavor and veggies, along with three beans and avocado, this can be a perfect addition to any spread. Serve with chips or on top of tacos, fajitas and more!
Check out this recipe
Overhead view of cowboy caviar dip with beans, avocado and more in bowl.
Sweet Potato Nachos with Avocado Crema
Not your average game day app, but of so delicious, these easy loaded Sweet Potato Nachos are taken to the next level with avocado crema. Nachos you can most certainly eat with a fork or your fingers and enjoy every last bite!
Check out this recipe
Sheet pan with sweet potato nachos covered with corn, beans, jalapeño, cheese, cilantro and avocado crema.
Jiffy Cornbread Casserole with Honey
This simple, classic recipe takes jiffy cornbread casserole to the next level with the flavor of sweet honey. Under ten minutes to prep, one bowl and makes a perfect, moist side dish for any delicious dinner!
Check out this recipe
Honey cornbread on plate with butter and honey drizzle.
Mango Avocado Salsa
Fresh avocado, juicy mango, cilantro and more make this simple fresh salsa a great addition to any meal or a delicious snack. This Mango Avocado Salsa is an easy way to add some extra flavor to your day!
Check out this recipe
Overhead view of mango avocado salsa in bowl with chips.
Healthy Guacamole Recipe
You can never go wrong with a classic and simple, healthy guacamole recipe. Fresh avocados, cilantro, veggies, spices and a squeeze of lime juice. This guac is top notch even if it is so basic!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Make this Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice for a fast side dish that the whole family will love! Made in a flash in a pressure cooker, this copycat Chipotle rice is great for meal prep and pairs well with so many dishes. 
Check out this recipe
Cauliflower Rice Salad
This simple Cauliflower Rice Salad with black beans is packed with veggies and lots of flavor. Tossed with a simple cilantro lime dressing, this is a delicious side dish that can be tossed together in just 15 minutes. Serve along side tacos or grilled chicken and toss in some cubed avocado as well!
Check out this recipe
White salad bowl with cauliflower rice salad with serving spoon.
Watermelon Feta Salad with Avocado
Enjoy a simple, delicious summer salad with this Watermelon Feta Salad with Avocado. Fresh and juicy watermelon, avocado, red onion, lots of freshly chopped cilantro and crumbles of feta make this easy salad recipe so delicious and refreshing. 
Check out this recipe
Spicy Mango Guacamole
Switch up everyone's favorite dip with some heat and sweet! This Spicy Mango Guacamole is an avocado lover's dream. Whips up in just minutes and great for topping or dipping. Mango was made for a dip like this!
Check out this recipe
Street Corn with Garlic Feta Butter
Switch up everyone's favorite dip with some heat and sweet! This Spicy Mango Guacamole is an avocado lover's dream. Whips up in just minutes and great for topping or dipping. Mango was made for a dip like this!
Check out this recipe
Easy Refried Beans
These refried beans are delicious and so easy to make. This refried bean recipe is quick, too—use canned beans and they’re ready in 25 minutes! Plus, these beans are healthy, vegan and gluten free.
Check out this recipe
Refried beans in bowl with spoon and other dishes surrounding.

What to Drink With Your Carnitas:

Don't forget to whip up some delicious cocktails to serve with your pork carnitas as well. I love a classic margarita, but you definitely will want to give this strawberry margarita a try as well!

Strawberry Basil Margarita Cocktail
Switch up everyone's favorite dip with some heat and sweet! This Spicy Mango Guacamole is an avocado lover's dream. Whips up in just minutes and great for topping or dipping. Mango was made for a dip like this!
Check out this recipe
Overhead view of strawberry basil margarita with fresh lime and berries.

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