Turkey Carnitas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 25 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
510 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Turkey Carnitas
Description
Turkey Carnitas involves gently simmering turkey pieces in stock infused with orange slices, garlic, thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and bay leaves until the meat is pull-apart tender. Once cooked, the turkey is shredded finely and then crisped on one side in hot lard or olive oil. The crisped edges contrast nicely with the tender interior of the meat. Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness balancing the savory and aromatic flavors.
The shredded and crisped turkey carnitas are ideal as a filling for soft tacos, accompanied by classic garnishes such as lime wedges, diced onions, fresh cilantro or parsley, and spicy sauces including homemade salsa verde. This process allows for storing the shredded meat up to a week, making it a practical make-ahead component.
Because the recipe calls for longer cooking times suited to older or wild turkey, cooking duration can vary from 90 minutes to several hours to achieve perfect tenderness. Adjust seasoning to taste when simmering.
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 turkey drumsticks or 2 turkey thighs
- 1 quart turkey stock or chicken stock
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 teaspoons thyme dried
- 2 teaspoons oregano Mexican if possible
- 1 cinnamon stick small
- 3 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- salt
- 5 tablespoons lard or olive oil
Instructions
- Set the turkey in a large pot, such as a Dutch oven, and add the turkey stock. Add enough water to cover the turkey, then all the remaining ingredients except for the lard. Bring to a simmer and add salt to taste. Cook gently until tender, anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours, depending on whether your turkey is store-bought, or, on the extreme end, an old wild tom.
- When it is tender, remove the turkey from the pot and let it cool. Shred the meat off the bones and, if using thighs, shred fairly fine -- remember this will be a filling for tacos or burritos. You can store the meat for up to a week at this point.
- To finish, add the lard to a frying pan and brown the meat as much as you like. I like a mix of soft and crispy, so I lay the meat out in one layer and crisp just one side.
Notes
- Serve the Turkey Carnitas in soft tacos with traditional garnishes like lime, onions, and fresh herbs.
- Homemade salsa verde pairs well with these carnitas for added flavor.
- The shredded meat can be stored refrigerated for up to one week before crisping.
- Cooking times vary so check tenderness before shredding, especially with older or wild turkey.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 510 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 510kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 160mg | 53% |
| Sodium | 218mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 835mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 73IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 89mg | 9% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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