Liven up your fiesta with a healthier, leaner version of Pork Carnitas that uses pork tenderloin as it's main ingredient, half the calories than a fatty cut such as the butt or shoulder. Slow-cooked in lime and orange juices, BBQ sauce and seasonings that make tender, juicy carnitas, quick and easy to assemble.
Go heavy with a variety of clean toppings to choose from, such as sliced radish and scallions, avocado, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Keep it light with a sprinkling of cheese or a small drizzle of sour cream.
An annual celebration of music, folkloric dancing and food, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla.
Make a batch of margaritas, put on some festive music and get into the spirit (spring has arrived) while you prepare delicious, guilt-free carnitas! Double the recipe and let the celebration continue all week long! Happy Fiesta!
PORK TENDERLOIN CARNITAS
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 lb. all natural, hormone-free pork tenderloin
1 Tsp cumin
1 Tsp oregano
1/2 Tsp chili powder
1/2 Tsp onion powder
Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large clove garlic, smashed
1/2 cup Dinosaur®Bar-B-Que sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
Juice of 1 lime (about 1 Tbsp)
1 1/2 cups spring water
Garnish:
3-4 scallions, sliced thinly
3 - 4 radish, sliced thinly
2 Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
Sliced avocado
Feta cheese
Sour cream
Finely shredded light cheddar cheese
Lime wedges
Flour or corn tortillas
PREPARATION
Rub tenderloin with dry spices --cumin, oregano, chili and onion powders, a pinch of salt and a good amount of cracked pepper.
Prepare toppings for carnitas and set out in bowls. Prepare margaritas!
Transfer tenderloin to a cutting board and shred, using two forks. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set the slow cooker onto WARM setting, return shredded tenderloin back into slow cooker, with juices until ready to assemble.
Warm tortillas -- wrap loosely in a foil tent and warm for 5 - 6 minutes. Set tortillas on a serving platter and fill with shredded pork tenderloin. Serve with toppings of choice.
Store leftover pork along with juice, covered in refrigerator, for a quick weeknight dinner -- pulled pork sandwiches!