Creating the perfect pork carnitas starts with a flavorful seasoning blend. This Mexican-inspired dry spice mix combines aromatic spices and herbs to elevate your carnitas game, adding depth and warmth to your dishes.
With this simple blend of pantry staples, you’ll achieve that authentic Mexican flavor in every bite. The blend includes a mix of spices that complement the rich flavor of pork, making it a staple in your spice cabinet.
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Difficulty
Easy
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Diet
Meat
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Low Cal
Ingredients for Pork Carnitas Seasoning
Nine spices come together to create this authentic Mexican seasoning blend.
For the best flavor, use Mexican oregano and smoked paprika if you can find them. I like to buy spices from Penzeys or bulk bins at natural food stores. Quality matters here—old spices won’t give you that vibrant flavor you’re looking for. The chili powder is the foundation, so choose a good one (not too old).
No Mexican oregano? Regular oregano works at half the amount. Want more heat? Bump up the cayenne or add some crushed red pepper. The garlic powder and onion powder should be as fresh as possible—old ones lose their punch. If you’re feeling fancy, toast whole cumin seeds and grind them yourself.
Store this blend in an airtight glass jar away from light. It’ll keep its potency for about 6 months. I make a big batch and keep it in the pantry so it’s always ready for taco night or when I need to add some Mexican flair to my cooking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ll be real: I make a big batch of carnitas just so I can enjoy the leftovers throughout the week – and with this seasoning recipe, I can easily scale up or down depending on how many people I’m feeding.
Quick Mix: I love that I can whip up this pork carnitas seasoning in just a minute – literally, I mix the Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder together and I’m done.
Flavor Bomb: The combination of Chili Powder and Garlic Powder gives my carnitas an amazing depth of flavor that’s ridiculously good – that slow-cooked taste without the slow cooking.
Meal Prep Magic: This seasoning mix is my go-to for meal prep because it’s so versatile – I use it for carnitas tacos on Monday, add it to scrambled eggs on Tuesday, and sprinkle it on roasted vegetables on Wednesday.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Carnitas Seasoning
Creating this flavorful Mexican spice blend is straightforward and rewarding.
Step 1: Combine the Spice Blend Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tbsp Chili Powder, 1 tbsp Ground Cumin, and 1 tbsp Dried Oregano until they’re evenly distributed. I like to use a small whisk for this task as it helps to break up any clumps and ensures a uniform blend.
These three ingredients form the foundation of your carnitas seasoning, providing a robust and earthy flavor profile that’s characteristic of traditional Mexican cuisine. The chili powder adds a mild heat, while the cumin contributes a warm, earthy note, and the oregano brings a slightly bitter and herbaceous quality to balance the mix.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Spices and Seasonings
Add the 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Onion Powder, 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper, 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika, 1 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper to the bowl with the chili powder mixture. Continue to whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is homogeneous.
The garlic and onion powders enhance the savory aspects of the dish, while the cayenne pepper introduces a touch of heat. Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the pork in carnitas. The salt and black pepper round out the seasoning, ensuring it’s well-balanced and aromatic.
Step 3: Store Your Homemade Carnitas Seasoning
Transfer the mixed spice blend to an airtight container, such as a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. I prefer using glass containers because they preserve the flavors and aromas of the spices without imparting any unwanted tastes or odors.
Store the container in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. The seasoning will keep for several months when stored properly, but it’s best used fresh for optimal flavor. When you’re ready to make your pork carnitas, simply rub this seasoning blend all over the pork shoulder before cooking for an authentic Mexican flavor.
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Pro Tips For Making Pork Carnitas Seasoning
Toast Your Spices: Give your Chili Powder and Ground Cumin a quick toast in a dry pan until fragrant. This brings out their flavors and makes a real difference in your pork carnitas seasoning.
Balance Your Mix: Make sure your seasoning blend isn’t too dominated by any single ingredient—taste as you go and adjust. I learned this the hard way after making a batch that was overwhelmingly cumin-heavy.
Sift for Clumps: Sift your Dried Oregano and other powdered spices to get rid of clumps that can ruin the texture of your seasoning mix. It’s a simple step that ensures even flavor distribution.
Store Properly: Store your homemade pork carnitas seasoning in an airtight container away from light to preserve its potency. I keep mine in a small glass jar and it stays fresh for months.
Dietary Considerations for This pork carnitas seasoning
Making it Gluten-Free
This carnitas seasoning blend is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free spices. I always check labels on my chili powder and smoked paprika to ensure they’re processed in gluten-free facilities. Some brands may contain anti-caking agents that include gluten.
Keto and Low-Carb Considerations
The blend is keto-friendly with less than 1g net carbs per serving. When using this seasoning for carnitas, be mindful of any additional ingredients that might add carbs. I like to use it with pork shoulder cooked in lard or other keto-approved fats.
Allergen Awareness
Most individual spices in this blend are free from common allergens. However, check your cayenne pepper and spice blends for potential cross-contamination warnings. Store the blend in an airtight glass container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
Customizing for Dietary Needs
For a low-sodium version, reduce or omit the added salt. You can also adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level. Some people prefer using this blend with other proteins like chicken or tofu for different dietary preferences.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining flavor. Keep the blend in a cool, dark place and use within 6 months for optimal potency. I make larger batches and store them in glass mason jars with tight-fitting lids.
Special Dietary Variations
For a whole30 compliant version, ensure all ingredients are free from additives and preservatives. Some commercial chili powders may contain sugar or other non-compliant ingredients, so read labels carefully. You can also customize the blend by adding other whole30-approved spices to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 5kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 390mg17%
Total Carbohydrate 1g0%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g0%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
How much seasoning should I use for pork carnitas?
Use about 2-3 tablespoons of this seasoning blend per 2 pounds of pork shoulder. Adjust to taste, depending on your preference for stronger or milder flavors. You can always add more seasoning during cooking if needed.
2
Can I make this seasoning blend ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this blend ahead of time. Store it in an airtight glass container away from light and heat. It will retain its potency for up to 6 months. This makes it perfect for meal prep or when you need a quick flavor boost.
3
Is this carnitas seasoning blend gluten-free?
Yes, this blend is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free spices. Be sure to check the labels of your chili powder and smoked paprika to ensure they’re processed in gluten-free facilities. This makes it safe for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
4
Can I customize the heat level of this seasoning?
Absolutely! You can adjust the heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit it. For extra heat, increase the cayenne or add other spicy elements like crushed red pepper to taste.
I'm Nathan Turner, and I've been messing around with pots and pans since my Aunt Linda handed me a whisk at age six in her cramped Portland, Oregon kitchen, teaching me to stir roux while Fleetwood Mac played on her old boom box. The smell of sizzling garlic and butter still yanks me back to Sunday gravy sessions when she'd call me 'Little Chef' even though I could barely see over the counter. After college, I spent eight years in Chicago working in restaurant kitchens, learning more from burning my fingertips on sheet pans than any culinary textbook. These days, I live back in Portland with my wife Sophie, our daughter Maya (age 9), and our judgmental tuxedo cat Pickles. When I'm not experimenting with new recipes, I'm usually trail running in Forest Park or restoring vintage cast iron I find at garage sales. My proudest moment was Thanksgiving 2017 when my green bean casserole finally beat my cousin's at our family cook-off—he'd held the title since 2004, so that victory tasted better than the crispy onions on top.
