Imagine biting into a perfectly tender, spice-rubbed carnitas wrap that bursts with sweet and tangy cherry peach salsa – a Mexican-inspired dish that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! These carnitas lettuce wraps are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure that combines the rich, slow-cooked pork with a vibrant, fresh salsa, all nestled in crisp romaine lettuce leaves. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 peach, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork shoulder. Trim any excess fat from the meat and cut it into large chunks, if necessary. This will help it cook more evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, and salt. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring that it is evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker or a Dutch oven. If using a slow cooker, set it on low for 2 to 3 hours. If using a Dutch oven, cover it and place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for the same amount of time.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the cherry peach salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, diced peach, diced red onion, and lime juice. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients together. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- After 2 to
- 5 hours, check the pork. It should be tender and easily shred with a fork. If it is not tender, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the pork is ready, remove it from the slow cooker or Dutch oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then, shred the pork using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- To assemble the lettuce wraps, take a leaf of romaine lettuce and place a generous amount of shredded pork in the center. Top with a spoonful of cherry peach salsa.
- Repeat the process for the remaining lettuce leaves and pork, creating as many wraps as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Carnitas Lettuce Wraps with Cherry Peach Salsa!
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose a pork shoulder with a good amount of marbling for the most tender and flavorful carnitas.
- Slow Cooking Secrets: Low and slow is the key to melt-in-your-mouth pork. Don't rush the cooking process – patience creates perfection!
- Salsa Tip: Make the salsa at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Lettuce Wrap Hack: Chill the romaine leaves before serving for an extra crisp and refreshing base.
- Customization: Feel free to add additional toppings like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of queso fresco to elevate the dish even further.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The carnitas and salsa can be prepared in advance, making this a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
