When it comes to Mexican cuisine, few dishes are as beloved as carnitas. These slow-cooked, crispy pieces of pork are a favorite in tacos, burritos, and many other dishes. However, if you have leftover carnitas that you want to reheat, it’s important to know the best methods to ensure that they stay moist, flavorful, and crispy. In this guide, we’ll show you how to reheat carnitas using four different methods, and provide you with tips to help you achieve the best results.
Best Methods for Reheating Carnitas
Before we dive into the specific methods for reheating carnitas, it’s important to note that there is no one “correct” way to do it. The best method for you will depend on your personal preferences, the tools you have available, and the amount of time you have. With that said, here are the four most popular methods:
Oven Method
Reheating carnitas in the oven is a popular method because it helps to maintain their crispy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place your carnitas in an oven-safe dish. You can use a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
- Cover the dish with foil to prevent the carnitas from drying out.
- Bake the carnitas in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the carnitas are crispy and browned to your liking.
Stovetop Method
If you don’t have access to an oven or prefer not to use it, you can also reheat carnitas on the stovetop. This method is quicker than the oven method, but may not produce as crispy results. Here’s how to do it:
- Place your carnitas in a skillet. You can add a tablespoon of oil or water to the skillet to help prevent the meat from drying out.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Stir the carnitas occasionally to ensure that they are heated through evenly.
- Cook the carnitas for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Microwave Method
Reheating carnitas in the microwave is the quickest method, but it can also lead to dry meat. Here’s how to do it:
- Place your carnitas in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel.
- Heat the carnitas on high power for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Stir the carnitas, then continue heating in 30-second increments until they are heated through.
Sous Vide Method
If you have a sous vide machine, you can use it to reheat your carnitas. This method will help to maintain their moisture and flavor, but it requires more preparation time than the other methods. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your sous vide machine to 165°F.
- Place your carnitas in a vacuum-sealed bag. You can add a tablespoon of water or cooking liquid to the bag to help prevent the meat from drying out.
- Seal the bag using a vacuum sealer or the displacement method.
- Place the bag in the preheated sous vide bath and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the carnitas are heated through.
- Remove the bag from the sous vide bath and pat the carnitas dry with paper towels.
- Optional: crisp the carnitas in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.
Tips for Reheating Carnitas
No matter which method you choose, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure that your reheated carnitas turn out delicious:
- Store your leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When reheating in the oven or stovetop, add a tablespoon of water or cooking liquid to the dish to help prevent the meat from drying out.
- When reheating in the microwave, be sure to stir the carnitas often to ensure even heating.
- If you want to achieve a crispy exterior, place the carnitas under the broiler or in a hot skillet for a few minutes after reheating.
- Consider adding fresh herbs, lime juice, or salsa to your reheated carnitas to enhance their flavor.
Conclusion
Reheating carnitas can be a tricky task, but by following the tips and methods outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your leftover carnitas are just as delicious as they were when you first made them. Whether you choose to reheat them in the oven, stovetop, microwave, or sous vide, be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or drying out. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy flavorful, crispy carnitas any time you want!