Carnitas Cornbread
This is basically Mexican cornbread using carnitas meat instead of hamburger. Making the carnitas is the only somewhat time-consuming step, which I usually do the day before because I'm old and get tired quicker. But it's really worth the effort and time because this cooking method imparts incredible flavor and tenderness to the pork. If you're questioning the use of lard, or wanting to substitute a different fat (like shortening), do a quick internet search and you'll learn that lard is a lot healthier than previously thought. Use lard.
If you don't have picky eaters like I do, you can add some of the garnishes to the cornbread casserole before baking, like the salsa, jalapeños, black olives.
Carnitas Cornbread
This is basically Mexican cornbread using carnitas meat instead of hamburger. Making the carnitas is the only somewhat time-consuming step, which I usually do the day before because I'm old and get tired quicker. But it's really worth the effort and time because this cooking method imparts incredible flavor and tenderness to the pork. If you're questioning the use of lard, or wanting to substitute a different fat (like shortening), do a quick internet search and you'll learn that lard is a lot healthier than previously thought. Use lard.
If you don't have picky eaters like I do, you can add some of the garnishes to the cornbread casserole before baking, like the salsa, jalapeños, black olives.
Cooking Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 250°F. In a cast iron Dutch oven, melt the lard. Cut the pork into large (about 4") pieces and place in the Dutch oven. Sprinkle with the cumin.
- 2
Zest the citrus then cut them into quarters. Peel the garlic cloves and slice in half. Cut the peeled onion into large chunks.
- 3
Sprinkle the citrus zest over the pork. Squeeze the citrus pieces over the pork. Add the garlic, onion and citrus to the Dutch oven on top of the pork. Cover and bake in 250°F oven for 3-1/2 hours.
- 4
Remove the pork pieces using tongs and place on a baking sheet. (At this point, if desired, you can refrigerate the pork and finish the dish tomorrow.) Reserve about 2 T. of the lard from the Dutch oven and let it re-solidify (for greasing the baking dish). The rest of the Dutch oven contents can be discarded.
- 5
Under the broiler, get a nice char on the pork pieces. This will take about 5 minutes per side; just keep an eye on it.
- 6
Grease the bottom and sides of a square baking dish with the reserved lard using a pastry brush. Add the pork pieces evenly over the bottom. If desired, at this point you can add some of the optional garnish ingredients to the pork, like jalapeños, etc. Sprinkle with cheese, and top with the corn.
- 7
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix the Jiffy Corn Muffin mix with the milk and egg. Mix in the 1 tsp. sugar (optional). Spread evenly on top of the casserole. Bake until cornbread is golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- 8
Add your desired toppings and enjoy!
Cooksnaps
Did you make this recipe? Share a picture of your creation!
Similar Recipes
-
Mexican Cornbread Mexican Cornbread
This recipe makes a really good, dense, rich cornbread with loads of flavor. We serve this with soups, bean dishes, or with just about anything really. There's never leftovers at our house.NOTES:Milk can be substituted for the buttermilk if needed, but the flavor will be lighter. Also milk is thinner than buttermilk so you'll need less of it. Leave out a few tablespoons and adjust after it all comes together. Also omit the baking soda since you've removed the acid buttermilk brings to the party.I cook mine in cast iron and its great that way because of the fantastic crust that develops. You could probably cook this in pyrex but it won't be as good :)
-
Mexican Cornbread Mexican Cornbread
I have made this several times. It's a favorite in my family. You can also add ground beef for an extra flavor. Just cook the beef, drain, then stir into the mixed batter before pouring into dish to bake
-
-
Carnitas Carnitas
I concocted my carnita recipe from a few other recipes. All ingredients can be adjusted to your taste. I usually put it in crockpot but I have been known to put in on the grill as well. Some recipes call for added fat but I feel the pork produces enough on it's own it's not needed.
Stephanie -
Southern Cornbread Southern Cornbread
A traditional Southern cornbread with cheese, bacon, and green chilies.
-
-
Pork Carnitas Pork Carnitas
This is the best pork Carnitas I have ever made! It's crunchy and delicious! 😋
-
Authentic Mexican Carnitas Authentic Mexican Carnitas
There are other recipes for carnitas, for example slow cooked in chicken broth. I found that the only way to get that authentic Mexican flavor is to use the manteca "lard". Also DO NOT use American style Coca-Cola, it doesn't have the raw sugar the Mexican Coca-Cola has.
-
My corn carnitas pizza My corn carnitas pizza
My new creation I just needed to use the corn flour thats what got me inspired to make thise giant pizza
More Recipes
Comments