Romaldo's Authentic Mexican Carnitas
Experience the rich flavors of Romaldo's Authentic Mexican Carnitas, a beloved recipe inspired by the Abilene Chuckwagon Cook-Off. Passed down through generations, Romaldo, the talented 'cookie' from one of the area's prominent ranches, perfected this delightful dish that reflects the warmth and hospitality of Texas-style cooking. This carnitas recipe is not only easy to prepare but also yields tender, flavorful meat that's ideal for family gatherings or casual feasts. Best of all, it reheats beautifully and freezes well, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it on warm flour tortillas with fresh guacamole and vibrant salsa for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chuck roast
3-4 lbs (None)
Green chilies, chopped
2 cans (None)
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (Preferably New Mexico variety)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Garlic, minced
2 cloves (Minced)
Salt
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2
Place the chuck roast on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring there is enough foil to completely wrap the roast.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the green chilies, chili powder, oregano, ground cumin, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
4
Spread the seasoning mixture evenly over the top of the chuck roast, making sure to cover it thoroughly.
5
Fold the edges of the foil over the roast, sealing it tightly to lock in all the flavors and moisture.
6
Transfer the wrapped roast into a roasting pan to catch any potential drippings.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
8
Once done, remove the roast from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Let it cool slightly.
9
Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces while still warm.
10
Serve the shredded carnitas on hot flour tortillas with optional toppings such as guacamole, salsa, and extra onions.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
1g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Romaldo's Authentic Mexican Carnitas?
Romaldo's Authentic Mexican Carnitas is a recipe inspired by the Abilene Chuckwagon Cook-Off, featuring tender, flavorful chuck roast seasoned with traditional Mexican spices.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for a 3-4 lbs chuck roast.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
How long does it take to cook the carnitas?
The meat should bake for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until it is fork-tender and easily shreds.
What spices are used for the seasoning?
The seasoning mixture includes chili powder (preferably New Mexico variety), dried oregano, ground cumin, and minced garlic.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 320 calories per serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as gluten-free.
Can these carnitas be frozen?
Yes, this dish freezes well, making it a convenient choice for meal prep.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 24g of protein per serving.
What type of chili powder is best?
The recipe suggests using the New Mexico variety of chili powder.
How should the meat be wrapped for baking?
The roast should be placed on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and sealed tightly to lock in flavors and moisture.
What should I serve with Romaldo's Carnitas?
It is best served on hot flour tortillas with fresh guacamole, vibrant salsa, and extra onions.
How many cans of green chilies are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cans of chopped green chilies.
How do I shred the meat?
Once slightly cooled, use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces while it is still warm.
What is the history of this recipe?
The recipe was passed down through generations from Romaldo, a talented 'cookie' from a prominent ranch near Abilene.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Are there any carbohydrates in the carnitas?
There is approximately 1g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of the roasting pan?
The wrapped roast is placed in a roasting pan to catch any potential drippings during the baking process.
How much oregano should I use?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients required.
Can I use fresh chilies instead of canned?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cans of chopped green chilies for consistent flavor and moisture.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, the sugar content for this recipe is listed as null.
Is the sodium level high?
The recipe uses salt to taste, but specific sodium counts are not provided in the data.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests a generous pinch of salt, adjusted to taste.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The fiber content for this recipe is listed as null.
How many servings does this make?
While the exact serving count is null, the use of a 3-4 lb roast typically serves a family or a small gathering.
Is the garlic prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the 2 cloves of garlic should be minced before being added to the seasoning mixture.
What makes this 'Texas-style' cooking?
It reflects the warmth and hospitality of ranch cooking, utilizing slow-cooking methods often found in Texas cattle country.