No Waste Carnitas at Home

How to make no waste carnitas with what’s in your fridge?

Ever opened your fridge and thought, "What am I going to do with all these random leftovers?" Let me tell you, carnitas are the perfect way to give those a second life and thanks to Crumb I managed to create it 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.

Here’s how to turn your leftovers into tender, crispy carnitas that’ll have everyone asking for more.

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.

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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5. Green and Red sauce‍

No carnitas or taco spread is complete without some bold, flavorful sauces to tie everything together. The green and red sauces shown here do more than just add color to your plate, they’re packed with flavor. The red sauce usually has a smoky, slightly spicy kick, while the green one is tangy and refreshing thanks to fresh ingredients like tomatillos or cilantro.

These sauces let everyone customize their heat and flavor, making the meal more interactive and fun. Plus, a little drizzle is all you need to add so much taste, so you’re adding excitement without wasting anything, a total win for this amazing no waste dinner.

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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.