Carnitas Soup Recipe

Carnitas soup, a hearty and comforting Mexican dish, brings together tender, flavorful pork and a medley of aromatic spices in a warm, broth-based soup. It’s a crowd-pleaser and the perfect meal for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or when you’re just craving something rich and satisfying. Carnitas, which means ’little meats’ in Spanish, refers to pork that’s been braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender and then slightly crisped up. When incorporated into a soup, it takes on a new dimension, combining the savory depth of slow-cooked pork with the freshness of vegetables and the warmth of spices.

What makes this soup so irresistible is how the carnitas flavor infuses into the broth, making every spoonful an experience of deep, savory goodness. It’s like the soul of the carnitas without needing a taco shell to hold it all together.

Let’s dive into this recipe and discover how to make this delicious soup, with all the tips, tricks, and variations you’ll need to perfect it!

Carnitas Soup Recipe

This carnitas soup recipe blends the smoky richness of slow-cooked pork with a vibrant, zesty broth. It’s a flexible dish, easy to adapt based on what you’ve got in your pantry, but it maintains that deliciously authentic, hearty feeling with every bite.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs pork shoulder – The star of the dish, this cut has just the right balance of fat and meat, making it ideal for slow cooking and shredding.
• 1 large onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup base.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – The aromatic backbone of the soup, creating a fragrant base.
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced – A little kick, but you can adjust this to your taste.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – A burst of acidity and sweetness to balance the richness of the pork.
• 4 cups chicken broth – The liquid gold of the soup, which carries the flavors of the pork and spices.
• 1 tsp cumin – An earthy, smoky spice that elevates the soup’s depth.
• 1 tsp chili powder – Adds a gentle warmth, playing off the pork’s natural flavor.
• 1 tsp oregano – A fresh, herbal note that complements the earthy flavors of the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing everything together.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For browning the pork and sautéing the aromatics.
• Juice of 1 lime – To brighten the soup and add a zesty contrast to the richness.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped – A fresh garnish to finish the soup and add a pop of color.
• Optional toppings – Sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips for extra crunch and creaminess.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Pork

   Start by seasoning the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. This ensures the meat is well-seasoned before cooking.

2. Sear The Pork

   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork and sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This step is important as it locks in the juices and flavors. Remove the pork and set it aside.

3. Sauté The Aromatics

   In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño, cooking until softened and fragrant-about 5 minutes. This creates a rich base for the soup.

4. Simmer The Soup

   Return the pork to the pot, and pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easy to shred.

5. Shred The Pork

   Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat (unless you like them!), and return the shredded pork to the soup.

6. Finishing Touches

   Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. Simmer for another 10 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.

7. Serve And Garnish

   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder is the perfect cut for carnitas because it has a good amount of fat, which keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. During the slow-cooking process, the fat renders and melts into the broth, creating a silky, rich texture.
• Spices: The combination of cumin, chili powder, and oregano gives the soup a savory, earthy profile. These spices are a cornerstone in many Mexican dishes, offering depth without overpowering the delicate flavor of the pork.
• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth as the base ensures a light yet flavorful liquid that enhances the carnitas without competing with it. You could use pork broth if available, but chicken broth strikes the perfect balance.
• Lime and Cilantro: The lime juice cuts through the richness of the pork, adding a refreshing brightness. Fresh cilantro brings a grassy, slightly citrusy finish that ties everything together.

Expert Tips

• Searing the Pork: Don’t rush this step. Searing the pork adds a ton of flavor to the soup, and that caramelized outer crust is where a lot of the deep, savory taste comes from.
• Slow Cooking: If you have time, cook the soup on a low simmer for 3-4 hours. This will further develop the flavors and make the pork even more tender. Alternatively, using a slow cooker or Instant Pot is a great way to speed up the process.
• Use Leftovers: This soup is fantastic for using leftover carnitas. If you’ve already made carnitas for tacos or another dish, simply toss the meat into the broth and let it simmer to incorporate the flavors.
• Make It Spicier: If you like more heat, add extra jalapeños, a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, or even a splash of hot sauce when serving.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the pork with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and beans. You can also add some smoked paprika to bring a depth of flavor reminiscent of carnitas.
• Spicy Carnitas Soup: For those who crave more heat, add extra chilies such as serranos, or stir in a tablespoon of chili paste or Sriracha for an added spicy kick.
• Add Beans: If you want a more filling soup, add black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. They provide extra protein and a creamy texture to the soup.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamy twist, add a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This will make the broth richer and more indulgent.

Final Words

Carnitas soup is more than just a meal-it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. The combination of tender, flavorful pork with the zesty broth creates an irresistible balance of flavors that will satisfy any hunger. With its versatility and ability to be customized, you can make this soup your own, whether you prefer it extra spicy, creamy, or packed with beans.

This dish is perfect for a crowd or for meal prep, as the flavors only get better the longer they sit. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just enjoying it on your own, carnitas soup is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.