10+ Keto Carnitas Recipes for Delicious Low-Carb Meals

Keto carnitas recipes are a delicious way to enjoy flavorful pulled pork while sticking to a low-carb diet. You can create tender and savory carnitas that are perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoyed on their own. This article explores various methods and ingredients that make making keto carnitas easy and enjoyable.

Whether you prefer to cook your carnitas in a slow cooker, oven, or stovetop, there are plenty of options to suit your tastes and schedule. You’ll find recipes that highlight the key spices and techniques needed to achieve that crispy, mouthwatering texture. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these tasty dishes that fit perfectly into your ketogenic lifestyle!

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Slow cooker pork carnitas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic dish. You can prepare tender, juicy pork with minimal effort. This method lets the flavors blend beautifully as the meat cooks low and slow.

To start, season your pork shoulder with spices. Garlic, cumin, and lime juice work well to enhance the taste. Once seasoned, place the pork in your slow cooker along with onions and any desired peppers.

Cook on low for about 8 hours (around 93 °C) or on high for 4 hours (about 149 °C). The meat will become tender and easy to shred. After cooking, you may want to crisp it up in the oven for added texture.

Here are your ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork shoulder with cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the top.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Shred the meat and, if desired, broil for a few minutes to crisp it up.

Keto Instant Pot Carnitas

Keto Instant Pot carnitas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful pulled pork. This dish is perfect for meal prep or family dinners. The Instant Pot makes it quick and simple.

To start, you will need a good cut of pork, like a boneless Boston butt or pork shoulder. These cuts are great because they become tender and juicy when cooked.

Season the pork with spices such as cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This adds flavor without extra carbs. You can also add lime juice for extra zest.

Cook the pork in the Instant Pot on high pressure for about 60 minutes. Once done, shred the meat with two forks. For a crispy finish, broil the carnitas in the oven for a few minutes.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs boneless Boston butt or pork shoulder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork with spices, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork in the Instant Pot.
3. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
4. Shred the pork with two forks.
5. Broil in the oven for a crispy texture.

3) Spicy Carnitas Lettuce Wraps

Spicy carnitas lettuce wraps are a tasty and healthy option for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy the rich flavors of pork while keeping it low-carb. Using lettuce instead of tortillas helps you stay on track with your keto diet.

To make this dish, season your pork with spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. This will give it the perfect kick. Cook the pork in a slow cooker until it is tender and easy to shred.

You can use leafy greens like Bibb or Romaine lettuce for the wraps. Fill each leaf with carnitas and add your favorite toppings. Fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream work well to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lettuce leaves (Bibb or Romaine)
• Optional toppings: cilantro, onions, sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork with olive oil and spices.
2. Place the pork in a slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or until tender.
4. Shred the pork and serve in lettuce leaves.
5. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

4) Crispy Skillet Carnitas

Crispy skillet carnitas are a delicious treat. You can enjoy them by following a few simple steps.

To start, you’ll need pork shoulder or pork butt. This cut is perfect for achieving tender meat. Season it with spices like cumin and smoked paprika for great flavor.

Cook the pork in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Make sure to brown the meat well on all sides. This adds a nice crispy texture.

Once the pork is browned, add a little water or broth to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer. This will keep the meat juicy and flavorful.

After about two hours, remove the lid and increase the heat. This helps to crisp up the carnitas. Stir occasionally until you reach your desired crispiness.

Serve these carnitas in tacos or on salads. They are sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 cup water or broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork with cumin and smoked paprika.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the pork on all sides.
4. Add water or broth and cover. Simmer for about 2 hours.
5. Remove the lid and increase heat to crisp the meat.
6. Stir occasionally until crispy, then serve.

5) Pressure Cooker Keto Carnitas

Making keto carnitas in a pressure cooker is quick and simple. You’ll have tender, flavorful meat in no time.

Start by seasoning your pork with salt, pepper, and spices you love. You can use cumin, oregano, or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Add the seasoned meat to your pressure cooker along with some onion and garlic. Pour in a bit of broth or water to keep things moist.

Set the pressure cooker to cook on high for about 60 minutes. If using an Instant Pot, select the “Meat” setting. Once done, allow it to release pressure naturally for the best results.

After cooking, shred the carnitas with two forks. You can broil them in the oven briefly to make them crispy if you want.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder (about 3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper
• Spices (cumin, oregano, garlic powder)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork with salt, pepper, and spices.
2. Add pork, onion, and garlic to the pressure cooker with broth.
3. Cook on high for 60 minutes using the “Meat” setting.
4. Release pressure naturally.
5. Shred the meat and broil for crispiness if desired.

6) Carnitas Stuffed Bell Peppers

Carnitas stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy keto-friendly meals. You can use the pork carnitas as a hearty filling for sweet bell peppers.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. You will then stuff each pepper with a mix of carnitas and your choice of toppings.

Feel free to add cheese, salsa, or even avocado for extra flavor. Once stuffed, place the peppers in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Bake for about 30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

This dish can also be served with a side salad or guacamole for a refreshing touch.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 2 cups cooked carnitas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salsa (optional)
• Avocado (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. Stuff each pepper with cooked carnitas.
4. Add cheese or other toppings if desired.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes until tender.

7) Cheesy Keto Carnitas Casserole

If you’re looking for a tasty and filling dish, a Cheesy Keto Carnitas Casserole is perfect. It’s a great way to use leftover carnitas, and the cheese adds delicious flavor.

Start by layering the shredded carnitas in a baking dish. You can use your favorite cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a creamy texture. Add some diced peppers and onions for extra taste and color.

After layering, pour a mixture of eggs and cream over the top. This will bind everything together. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

The casserole is easy to make and is a hit with family and friends. Serve it warm for a comforting meal that fits your keto diet.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked carnitas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer the carnitas in a baking dish.
3. Sprinkle bell peppers and onions over the carnitas.
4. Add shredded cheese on top.
5. In a bowl, mix eggs and heavy cream, then pour over the casserole.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden.

8) Carnitas Salad with Avocado

A Carnitas Salad with Avocado is a fresh and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for a low-carb meal that still feels indulgent. Tender, flavorful carnitas sit atop a bed of crisp lettuce.

You can enhance your salad with creamy avocado, which adds healthy fats. Dice the avocado and sprinkle it over the carnitas for extra texture and taste.

For a pop of color and flavor, add toppings like diced tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice ties everything together nicely.

This dish is versatile. You can enjoy it in a bowl or wrap it in lettuce for a fun twist.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked carnitas
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 2 cups lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the carnitas as directed.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes.
3. Top with cooked carnitas and diced avocado.
4. Add cheese and freshly chopped cilantro.
5. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

9) Low-Carb Carnitas Tacos

Missing tacos while on a keto diet? You can enjoy tasty low-carb carnitas tacos. These tacos use a low-carb alternative instead of traditional tortillas, keeping your meal healthy and satisfying.

Start with deliciously seasoned pork carnitas. The seasoning gives the meat a flavorful kick. You can wrap the carnitas in lettuce leaves for a fresh taco experience. This adds crunch while staying low in carbs.

Pair your tacos with your favorite toppings. Use salsa, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor. Each bite will be delicious and will keep you on track with your diet. Enjoy a hearty meal without the carbs!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves for wrapping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Rub the pork with olive oil and spices.
3. Place the pork in a baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 3 hours.
5. Shred the meat with a fork.
6. Serve in lettuce leaves with your favorite toppings.

10) Carnitas-Stuffed Avocados

Carnitas-stuffed avocados make a delicious and easy meal. They are perfect for anyone following a keto diet. The rich, tender carnitas pair wonderfully with the creamy texture of ripe avocados.

To make this dish, start with cooked keto carnitas. You can use leftovers or prepare them using your favorite recipe.

Slice your avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop a bit of the flesh out to create space for the meat.

Now, fill each avocado half with the warm carnitas. You can add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, or cilantro for extra flavor. A squeeze of lime juice adds a nice zing.

This dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner, and you can enjoy it guilt-free on your keto journey.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your keto carnitas.
2. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits.
3. Scoop out a little avocado flesh.
4. Fill with carnitas.
5. Add desired toppings and enjoy!