What to Serve with Carnitas: 13 Delicious Mexican Sides

Wondering what to make with your pork carnitas? I'm giving you 13 delicious sides that will pair perfectly with your carnitas and that the whole family will love!

Jump to:

• 1. Mexican Rice
• 2. Cilantro Lime Rice
• 3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
• 4. 20 Minute Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
• 5. Black Bean Salad
• 6. Southwest Salad
• 7. Guacamole and Chips
• 8. Salsa and Chips
• 9. Queso and Chips
• 10. Refried Bean Dip and Chips
• 11. Tortilla Soup
• 12. Pozole Soup
• 13. Jalapeno Poppers
• Carnitas Recipes
• Carnitas Questions
• What to Serve with Carnitas: 13 Delicious Mexican Sides

1. Mexican Rice

Making the Mexican rice is simple and quick, and it's a must-have side dish for any of your preferred Mexican dishes.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice

Do you agree that cilantro lime rice is the perfect rice for burrito bowls and most Mexican dishes? (For those who dislike cilantro, kindly skip this part.)

3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Try making elote at home with grilled corn, mayo, sour cream, chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice. It's easy and delicious!

4. 20 Minute Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

Elevate your ordinary cornbread by mixing in jalapenos, cheddar, and buttermilk with Jiffy Cornbread Mix. These Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins will surely steal the spotlight on your dinner table.

5. Black Bean Salad

Try this delicious black bean salad with a tangy lime dressing for a refreshing and healthy side on a hot summer day.

6. Southwest Salad

Keep it easy and pick up a salad kit from your grocery store.

7. Guacamole and Chips

Prepare yourself for this delicious homemade guacamole! It is perfect for tacos, nachos, or toast. You can use it as a topping for almost anything.

8. Salsa and Chips

Another easy side to serve with Carnitas. It would go great with your favorite salsa and chips.

9. Queso and Chips

Make the ultimate Tex-Mex side in under 30 minutes with our top tips for a smooth and cheesy queso that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

10. Refried Bean Dip and Chips

Impress your family with this creamy and spicy bean dip. Made with beans, salsa, cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder, and cumin, it's the ultimate flavor combination.

11. Tortilla Soup

Make a tasty Chicken Tortilla Soup in 30 minutes with juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, avocado, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

12. Pozole Soup

Try a delicious bowl of Mexican pozole, made with tender pork, hominy, and spicy red chiles. Add toppings like shredded cabbage, radishes, cilantro, lime, and avocado for a satisfying meal.

13. Jalapeno Poppers

These jalapeño poppers have a creamy center and crispy bacon coating. They're simple to prepare and offer a much more enjoyable taste than regular poppers.

Carnitas Recipes

Carnitas Questions

How do I achieve crispy carnitas?

To make crispy carnitas, slow-cook pork until tender. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the pork until crispy.

How can I make the best carnitas?

Using the right cut of pork: Traditional carnitas use pork shoulder, or pork butt, for juicy and flavorful results.

Cook low and slow: Carnitas should be cooked low and slow. If you don't cook the meat long enough, it will turn out tough.

Don't forget to fry the meat: For crispy shredded pork, brown it in a pan. Don't overcrowd the pan so it can brown properly.

How long do carnitas last in the refrigerator?

Refrigerate carnitas in an airtight container to last 3-4 days. Freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Can I use a different type of meat for carnitas?

Carnitas are usually made with pork, but you can use chicken, beef, or jackfruit as a vegetarian option. There are a ton of great recipes online.