Carnitas Breakfast Recipe with Eggs

Carnitas Breakfast Recipe with Eggs: A Hearty Start to Your Day

Why Carnitas for Breakfast?

Carnitas is a Mexican dish traditionally made by braising or simmering pork until tender, then crisping it to perfection. Its rich flavors and versatility make it an ideal choice for any meal, including breakfast. Combining carnitas with eggs creates a protein-packed dish that will fuel your day with energy. This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to prepare a delicious and satisfying breakfast using carnitas and eggs, perfect for mornings when you crave something hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

 Before we dive into the cuisine process, let’s gather the constituents. This recipe serves four, but you can adjust the portions to suit your needs.

For the Carnitas:

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil

For the Breakfast:

• 8 large eggs
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve:

• Warm corn or flour tortillas
• Salsa or hot sauce
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Lime wedges for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the Carnitas

To make the perfect carnitas, the meat needs to be tender on the inside with crispy edges on the outside. Here’s how to achieve that balance:

1. Season the Pork: In a large mixing bowl, coat the pork chunks with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
2. Cook the Pork: Heat the lard or vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.Add the pork gobbets and sear them on all sides until golden brown.
3. Braise the Pork: Add the orange juice and chicken stock to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let the pork cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easy to shred.
4. Crisp the Carnitas: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the skillet and shred it using two forks. Increase the heat and cook the shredded pork in the remaining liquid until crispy. Set it aside for assembly.

Step 2: Preparing the Eggs

While the carnitas rest, it’s time to prepare the eggs and accompaniments.

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a non-stick skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir gently to scramble the eggs until they reach your desired consistency.
3. Add Cheese and Cilantro: If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the eggs just before they finish cooking. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Assembling the Carnitas Breakfast

Now that you’ve prepared the carnitas and eggs, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame until they’re warm and pliable.
2. Build Your Plate: Place a generous portion of crispy carnitas onto each tortilla. Top it with a scoop of scrambled eggs, then garnish with avocado slices, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.
3. Optional Extras: Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle extra cheese if desired.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: Carnitas can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for a month. Simply reheat before serving.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot salsa and adding jalapeños to the eggs.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Skip the tortillas and serve the carnitas and eggs over a bed of sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice.

Nutritional Benefits of This Breakfast

This carnitas and eggs breakfast isn’t just delicious—it’s nutritious too. The combination of pork and eggs provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and energy. The vegetables add fiber and vitamins, while avocado offers healthy fats to keep you satiated longer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This carnitas breakfast recipe is:

• Flavorful: The smoky spices and tender pork blend perfectly with creamy eggs and fresh toppings.
• Versatile: Swap out ingredients or add your favorite sides to suit your taste.
• Quick and Easy: Once the carnitas are prepped, the entire meal comes together in under 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Carnitas?

Yes! Store-bought carnitas can save time and work perfectly for this recipe. Look for high-quality options at your local grocery store or Mexican market.

2. Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the carnitas with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or black beans for a vegetarian twist.

3. What Other Toppings Can I Use?

Feel free to get creative with toppings. Pickled onions, shredded lettuce, or crumbled queso fresco are great additions.

Conclusion

Starting your day with a carnitas breakfast with eggs is a delicious way to fuel your morning. This easy-to-follow recipe combines savory pork, fluffy eggs, and vibrant toppings to create a meal that’s satisfying and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a pass and elevate your breakfast game moment!