Carnitas Torta
Juicy, crispy carnitas piled high on a toasted bolillo roll with creamy refried beans, fresh avocado, and tangy pickled onions. A classic Mexican sandwich that's hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying for lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 120 minutes total.
- 1
Sear and Simmer the Pork (Approx
- a.100 minutes)
- b.Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with 1 tsp of salt and the black pepper.
- c.Heat the lard in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the pork in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pot. Sear until deeply browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes total.
- d.Return all pork to the pot. Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic, Mexican oregano, and ground cumin. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
- e.Squeeze the juice from the orange halves into the pot, then add the squeezed halves. Pour in the water and milk, and add the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Stir everything together.
- f.Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for 90 minutes, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- 2
Shred and Crisp the Carnitas (Approx
- a.10 minutes)
- b.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl. Discard the onion, garlic, and orange halves from the pot.
- c.Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. You can leave some larger chunks for texture.
- d.Heat a large, heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoons of the fatty liquid left in the cooking pot.
- e.Add the shredded pork to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is browned and crispy. Flip the pork and crisp the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 3
Prepare Rolls and Assemble Tortas (Approx
- a.10 minutes)
- b.While the pork is crisping, slice the bolillo rolls in half horizontally. Spread the softened butter on the cut sides of each half.
- c.Toast the rolls on a griddle or in a clean skillet over medium heat, butter-side down, for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- d.To assemble, spread a generous layer of warmed refried beans on the bottom half of each toasted roll.
- e.Pile a hearty portion of the crispy carnitas over the beans.
- f.Layer with sliced avocado, pickled red onions, and pickled jalapeños.
- g.Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of Mexican crema.
- h.Place the top half of the roll on, press down gently, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use lard for cooking the carnitas. It creates an unparalleled richness and texture.
- 2Don't rush the simmering process. The low and slow cooking is key to making the pork incredibly tender.
- 3The final crisping step is essential for the classic carnitas texture. Don't skip it!
- 4Make the carnitas ahead of time! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat and crisp before assembling the tortas.
- 5Warm your refried beans before spreading them on the bread. It makes for a much better eating experience.
- 6If you can't find bolillo or telera rolls, a sturdy ciabatta or French roll can be used as a substitute.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Veggies
Add shredded lettuce and sliced tomato for extra freshness and crunch.
Cheese SwapCheese Swap
Instead of Cotija, try using crumbled queso fresco or melted Oaxaca cheese for a stringy, cheesy pull.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the carnitas simmering liquid for a smoky, spicy flavor.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
This torta format works wonderfully with other fillings like chicken tinga, barbacoa, or al pastor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Pork shoulder is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.
Rich in B Vitamins
Pork is a great source of B vitamins, particularly B12, B6, niacin, and thiamine. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Contains Healthy Fats
Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
A homemade Carnitas Torta is a hearty meal and can be high in calories. A single torta, as prepared in this recipe, contains approximately 1100-1200 calories, primarily from the pork, bread, avocado, and cheese.