Juicy, shredded carnitas are the ultimate taco filling. After spending hours tenderizing pork and infusing it with spicy, smoky flavors, you don’t want those leftovers to go to waste.
Properly reheating carnitas preserves that signature taste and texture you worked hard to achieve Whether you made them from scratch or ordered in, leftovers deserve more than a limp microwave zap
This guide covers the best reheating methods to revive leftover carnitas into their former glory. We’ll walk through foolproof techniques to bring out the absolute best from your carnitas next day.
Handling Carnitas Safely for Later Enjoyment
Foodborne illness is no fun, so start with proper storage and handling:
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Cool cooked carnitas completely before storage Divide into smaller containers,
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
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Freeze for longer storage up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before use.
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Reheat fully to 165°F internal temperature. Check temperature with a probe thermometer.
Follow those rules for safely preserving your carnitas’ deliciousness. Now let’s reheat them right.
Evaluating Your Carnitas Reheating Options
You have several good choices for reheating leftover carnitas. Consider volume, desired texture, time, and equipment needed to pick your best method.
Stovetop
The stovetop reigns supreme for small batches. It brings back the iconic crispy, charred carnita bits.
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In a nonstick pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
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Add pork and cook until hot throughout, stirring occasionally.
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Add a little liquid like broth if pork seems dry.
Oven
The oven is great for larger amounts. Spread on a baking sheet and cover with foil. It revives texture beautifully.
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Spread pork on a foil-lined baking sheet.
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Pour on a little liquid then cover with more foil.
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Bake 10-15 minutes covered, then uncover to crisp.
Crockpot
For party-sized portions, the crockpot does the work. Submerge in broth and cook on low heat for gradual reheating.
Sous Vide
Sous vide reheating is hands-off. Vacuum seal pork with seasonings and cook 1 hour in a 165°F water bath. Use the stovetop to crisp afterward.
Step-by-Step Stovetop Perfection
For small, single meal batches, the stovetop can’t be beat for quick, crisp carnitas joy. Follow these simple steps:
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Heat 1 tsp oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add carnitas and spread into a single layer.
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Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
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If pork seems dry, add 1-2 Tbsp broth and toss to coat.
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Cook 2-3 more minutes until browned edges appear.
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Add any additional desired seasonings and serve.
It doesn’t get much easier than that. Now for some tasty ideas to enjoy your reheated carnitas.
Creative Uses for Refreshed Carnitas
Bring on the tacos, of course! But don’t limit your leftover pork to the expected. Try these crave-worthy ways to savor reheated carnitas:
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Carnitas nachos piled high with all the fixings
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Carnitas burrito bowls with rice, beans, salsa
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Carnitas omelets or breakfast tacos
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Carnitas chopped salad with crispy lettuce and creamy dressing
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Carnitas pizza with mango salsa and lime crema
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Carnitas fried rice or bibimbap style rice bowls
Take your leftover carnitas to all new flavor destinations from Tex-Mex to Asian fusion. Get creative!
Carnitas Taste Even Better the Second Time Around
Don’t relegate leftover carnitas to boring sandwiches smothered in sauce. With proper storage, careful reheating, and creative serving ideas, you can enjoy carnitas with revived texture, juicy pork flavor, and craveable crispy bits every time.
Now that you know how to reheat carnitas like a pro, you can double that pork shoulder recipe without hesitation. Your taste buds will thank you later as you bite into reheated carnitas that taste amazingly fresh again. ¡Buen provecho!
How to reheat carnitas?
FAQ
How do you revive carnitas?
Are carnitas better the next day?
How to keep pork carnitas warm?
How to store carnitas for next day?
How do you reheat carnitas?
For the crispiest reheating method, re-fry the carnitas in a skillet over medium high heat for about 5 minutes, until warmed through. For the best results, add some extra lard (1 to 2 tbsp, depending on amount of meat) to the pan before heating. Can Carnitas be made with boneless pork loin, pork chops, or another cut? Not really.
How do you cook carnitas?
Carnitas meat is made with pork shoulder or pork butt, a tough, marbled cut that needs low-and-slow cooking to become succulent and tender. Freshly shredded, carnitas taste fabulous, then they’re fried on the stove top or under the oven broiler until the edges are tantalizingly crispy. But Versatile Too!
How do you cook pork carnitas in a crock pot?
Place the pork in a large pot, then add the orange zest and juice. Combine. Add the garlic, onion, and spices. Pour in enough water to just cover the pork. Cook. Bring the pot to a boil, then let the carnitas simmer over medium-low heat for 1 1/2 hours. Increase the Heat.
Can You reheat carnitas in the microwave?
Reheating: For the easiest method, you may microwave portions in 30-second intervals until warmed through. However, the meat will not be as crispy. For the crispiest reheating method, re-fry the carnitas in a skillet over medium high heat for about 5 minutes, until warmed through.