No Waste Carnitas at Home

Ever opened your fridge and thought, "What am I going to do with all these random leftovers?" Let me tell you, no waste carnitas are the perfect way to give those a second life, and thanks to Crumb, I managed to create them in seconds. This recipe isn't just delicious; it's a no-waste, easy recipe that’ll save you time, money, and a trip to the store. If you’re ever stuck on what to make, an AI recipe generator like Crumb can help you transform leftovers into amazing meals effortlessly. Here’s how to turn your leftovers into tender, crispy carnitas that’ll have everyone asking for more.

Carnitas vs Al Pastor, What's the Difference?

If you've ever wondered about the difference between carnitas vs al pastor, you're not alone! While both are delicious Mexican pork dishes, they have distinct cooking methods and flavors. Carnitas are slow-cooked in their own fat until tender and crispy, giving them a rich, juicy texture. On the other hand, al pastor is marinated in a blend of spices and pineapple, then cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma, resulting in a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. Whether you prefer the crispy goodness of carnitas or the bold, spiced taste of al pastor, both are incredible ways to enjoy pork in tacos, burritos, or bowls!

The Perfect Homemade Salsa for Carnitas: Salsa Roja

No plate of carnitas is complete without a flavorful salsa to complement its richness. A fresh, zesty homemade salsa adds the perfect balance of heat and acidity, making every bite even more delicious. Here are three easy salsa recipes to pair with your carnitas!

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

Recipe Steps

1. Roast tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeño in a dry pan until charred.
2. Blend everything together with onion, cumin, lime juice, and salt.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro and serve fresh or chilled.

One of our most easy leftover pork recipes: Pork Carnitas

One of the best ways to repurpose cooked pork is with easy leftover pork recipes, and pork carnitas are a perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform leftover pork into crispy, flavorful carnitas that are perfect for tacos, bowls, or burritos!

Got rice sitting in the fridge too? Here's what to do with leftover rice, it's the perfect side or base to go with your carnitas.

Step 1: Create your own marinade

No waste carnitas are all about the marinade, and the beauty is, you can improvise with what you already have. Here are some ideas:

1. Citrus: Got an orange that’s past its prime? Half a lemon you didn’t finish? Add them in! Fresh or even bottled juice works great too.
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2. Garlic and Onions: Even that ugly onion in the crisper or leftover garlic cloves will be amazing here.
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3. Spices: Check your pantry for cumin, chili powder, paprika, or oregano. Don’t stress if you’re missing one, this is a flexible dish using just what you have.
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4. Broth or Stock: Leftover veggie or chicken stock? Use it as the base for braising. No stock? Water will do just fine.
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5. Secret Ingredients: Got salsa that’s about to expire? A splash of soy sauce or vinegar? Even pickle juice can add a unique twist.

Step 2: Prep the Pork

Choose a cut that works for slow cooking, pork shoulder or butt is ideal. But if you’ve got pork chops or tenderloin that need to be used up, go for it! Cut the meat into large chunks to help them cook evenly.

You can be very creative in this part too! Remember carnitas can be done with a lot of different meats except chicken as it tends to dry out in the oven.

Working with beef instead of pork? These leftover pot roast recipes offer equally delicious ways to turn last night’s roast into something new and comforting.

Step 3: Make it happen (yeah it's that easy)

1. Marinate: Combine your "fridge finds" in a bowl to create your marinade. Coat the pork and let it sit. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will work. Got more time? Let it soak overnight.
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2. Cook Low and Slow: In a heavy pot or slow cooker, place the marinated pork and add enough liquid (broth, water, or juice) to cover about halfway. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender.
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3. Crisp It Up: Shred the pork with forks, then spread it out on a baking sheet. Broil it for 5-10 minutes until the edges are crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—those golden bits are what make carnitas irresistible.

Step 4: Serve It Your Way

Here’s where you can get even more creative with leftovers:

• Tacos: Use up tortillas and top with whatever you’ve got (shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, or chopped veggies).
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• Bowls: Pair the carnitas with rice, beans, or salad greens for a hearty bowl.
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• Sandwiches: Make a killer sandwich with crusty bread and a smear of leftover aioli or mayo.
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• Freeze It: Got extra carnitas? Freeze portions for future meals—they’ll reheat beautifully.

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Our Favorite Green Sauce for Tacos

No taco spread is complete without a bold, flavorful green sauce for tacos to tie everything together. This vibrant salsa isn’t just about adding color—it’s packed with fresh, tangy flavors from ingredients like tomatillos, cilantro, and lime. Unlike red sauces that bring a smoky heat, a good green sauce for tacos adds a refreshing, zesty kick that perfectly balances rich, savory fillings like carnitas. A simple drizzle enhances every bite, letting you customize your tacos without overpowering the flavors. Plus, it’s an easy way to elevate your meal while keeping things fresh and waste-free!

Ingredients

• 6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper (adjust for spice level)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup white onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra richness)

Recipe Steps

1. Roast the tomatillos and pepper in a dry pan or under the broiler until blistered and slightly charred (about 5 minutes).
2. Blend everything together—tomatillos, pepper, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, and salt—until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you want a thinner sauce, add a splash of water.
4. Serve fresh over tacos, burritos, or as a dip for tortilla chips.

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Why No-Waste Carnitas?

This isn’t just about saving food (though that’s awesome). It’s about rethinking how we cook. By using what’s already in your fridge, you’re reducing waste, saving money, and getting creative in the kitchen. Plus, you’ll surprise yourself with how delicious "leftovers" can be.

So next time you’re staring at random fridge items and wondering what to do, remember: carnitas are always the answer.