By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on September 28, 2023 | Last Updated on September 28, 2023
Costco is well known for its low prices and high-quality products, but it also offers delicious food court items. From Mexico to Italy, there’s something for everyone at their expansive food courts.
One of the most popular items on the menu is Costco Carnitas, a Mexican-inspired dish that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. This is one of the most popular items on the Costco food court menu.
To make your own delicious carnitas at home, follow this easy-to-follow guide! With just a few simple ingredients and some time, you can have a tasty dinner on the table in no time.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party with friends, this delicious carnitas is sure to impress.
What is Costco Carnitas?
Costco Carnitas is a Mexican-style slow-cooked pork that’s been seasoned with a variety of spices and served with a tomato-based sauce. The combination of succulent pork, tangy tomato sauce, and earthy spices make this dish a favorite at Costco food courts.
The pork is typically slow-cooked in a combination of fat, garlic, onion, chili peppers, oregano, cumin, and other spices for several hours to create tender chunks of meat.
The tomato sauce adds an additional layer of richness to the carnitas while balancing the spices. When served, it is usually topped with freshly chopped cilantro and served on its own or in tacos.
Why You’ll Love this Costco Carnitas?
Costco Carnitas is a great dish to make at home because it’s packed with flavor and is relatively easy to prepare. The slow-cooked pork meat will be tender and juicy, while the tomato sauce provides added depth and sweetness.
Plus, you can easily adjust the spicy level by adding or omitting certain ingredients. Another great thing about this dish is that it’s very versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. So get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and outstanding dish!
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Ingredients
- Hot Tomato Sauce: This spicy sauce adds spice to the carnitas that can’t be beaten.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright acidity and helps to balance out the flavor.
- Habanero: Habaneros are a great option for adding heat and spice to dishes like this one. Keep in mind, however, that these peppers are quite hot and should be used sparingly.
- Onion: The onion adds a sweet, savory flavor that really helps to round out the dish.
- Garlic: Garlic is a classic addition to dishes like this, adding an earthy element that can’t be replicated with other ingredients.
- Cilantro: Cilantro is the perfect topping for this carnitas and adds a bit of freshness that really brightens the dish.
- Carnitas: The main star of the dish is the pork carnitas. This slow-cooked meat has a wonderful flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to bring all the tastes together and keeps everything from sticking to the pan.
- Pepper: A bit of black pepper adds a nice hint of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, lemon juice, habanero, onion, garlic and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3
Add the cooked carnitas to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the carnitas are heated through and slightly crispy around the edges.
Step 5
Remove from the oven and top with freshly minced cilantro. Serve hot!
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less habanero pepper.
- You can also add other vegetables like peppers and tomatoes for a heartier dish.
- For an even more flavorful dish, try adding some freshly chopped jalapeno peppers or cumin.
Storage Tips
Costco Carnitas is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to reheat, place the carnitas in a skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom over medium heat. Heat until warmed through and crispy and serve immediately.
You can also freeze Costco Carnitas for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw completely before reheating in a skillet or oven. It can also be reheated in a microwave, but the texture won’t be as good.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas to enjoy your Costco Carnitas:
- Use the carnitas in tacos, burritos, tortillas for enchiladas.
- Enjoy it over rice or beans for a more substantial meal.
- Top a salad with carnitas for an easy lunch or light dinner.
- Make a delicious carnitas quesadilla with melted cheese and your favorite toppings.
- Layer it in a casserole dish with potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese for an amazing dinner option.
- Top your morning eggs with a spoonful of carnitas for extra protein!
What other substitute can I use in Costco Carnitas?
- If you don’t have pork, shredded chicken or beef can be used as a substitute.
- For a vegetarian option, try using jackfruit in place of the meat.
- If you don’t have cooked carnitas on hand, you can use canned or frozen ones to save time.
- Swap out the tomato sauce for the enchilada sauce to give it an extra flavor.
- You can also add other vegetables like peppers and mushrooms for a heartier dish.
- To make it even more flavorful, try adding a few cloves of minced garlic or some freshly chopped jalapenos.
- For additional heat, sprinkle chili powder or hot sauce on top of the carnitas before serving.
- If you don’t have habanero pepper, any type of red pepper flakes can be used.
- To give the carnitas a smoky flavor, try adding a few teaspoons of smoked paprika.
Costco Carnitas Recipe
Equipment
- a bowl
- baking
Ingredients
- 30 ounces Hot Tomato Sauce
- juice from 1 a lemon
- 2 minced habanero
- 2 chopped onions
- extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 minced garlic cloves
- Pepper according to taste
- 40 ounces of Pork Carnitas Cooked
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the tomato sauce, lemon juice, minced habanero, chopped onion, garlic cloves and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Place the cooked carnitas in the bowl and mix to coat with the sauce.
- Spread the coated mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the carnitas are hot and slightly crisp at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly minced cilantro. Serve warm!
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less habanero pepper.
- You can also add other vegetables like peppers and tomatoes for a heartier dish.
- For an even more flavorful dish, try adding some freshly chopped jalapeno peppers or cumin.
FAQs
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes, this dish can be made on the stovetop. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the mixture to the hot skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes or until carnitas are heated through and slightly crisp at the edges.
What type of pork should I use?
For best results, use pork butt or pork shoulder. These cuts of meat are perfect for slow cooking as they have a higher fat content and will yield tender and flavorful carnitas.
Is this safe for pregnant women?
Yes, this dish is safe for pregnant women as long as the pork is cooked through. The pork should be cooked until an internal temperature of at least 145°F (65°C). It’s also important to avoid eating raw or undercooked meat while pregnant.
Conclusion
Thank you for following this guide on how to make your own homemade Costco Carnitas. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have delicious carnitas for dinner that everyone will love!
Please share this article with your friends and family so they can also learn how to make Costco-style carnitas!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
