Name: Carnitas Fajita Quesadillas with Fresh Salsa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 260 min
Yield: 4-6 People
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 package Carnitas Seasoned Pork Shoulder; 1/2 Medium Onion; 1 Lime; to taste Seasoning Blend (Salt, Pepper, Accent, etc.); 2 Roma Tomatoes; 1/2 Medium Red Onion; to taste Jalapeños; 1/4 cup Cilantro; 1/4 cup Cucumber; 2 tbsp Organic Lime Juice; 4 Fresh Garlic Cloves; 1 tbsp Avocado Oil; to taste Salt; to taste Black Pepper; to taste Accent Seasoning; 1/2 Green Bell Pepper; 1/2 Red Bell Pepper; 1/2 Orange Bell Pepper; 1/2 White Onion; 1 tbsp Avocado Oil; 8 Large Flour Tortillas; 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar/Monterey Jack blend); to taste Mexican Crema; to taste Shredded Lettuce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

Prepare Carnitas for Slow Cooker
Open the package of pre-seasoned carnitas pork shoulder and transfer it to a large bowl. Add half of a medium onion, a fresh lime (squeezed for juice), and additional seasoning blend (salt, pepper, Accent, etc.) to taste. Mix thoroughly by hand to ensure the meat is well-coated with all seasonings. Transfer the seasoned carnitas to a slow cooker with some water or broth (not shown, but implied by chef). Cook until very tender and easily shreddable.
Prepare Fresh Salsa
In a small food processor, combine chopped Roma tomatoes, half of a medium red onion, jalapeños (to your spice preference), cilantro, cucumber, 2 tablespoons of organic lime juice, and 4 finely chopped fresh garlic cloves. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, salt, black pepper, and Accent seasoning. Blend until you reach a desired chunky consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Transfer the salsa to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Sauté Bell Peppers and Onions
Heat a griddle or large pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and spread it evenly. Add the sliced green, red, and orange bell peppers, along with half of a white onion. for until they are slightly softened but still have a slight crunch.
Shred Carnitas
Once the carnitas are cooked and tender, remove them from the slow cooker. Using your hands (wearing gloves for hygiene), shred the pork into small pieces. Pour some of the cooking liquid (juice) from the slow cooker over the shredded carnitas to keep them moist and flavorful.
Assemble and Cook Quesadillas
Heat the griddle again and add a small amount of oil. Take a large flour tortilla and dip it into the carnitas cooking liquid, ensuring both sides are coated. Place the dipped tortilla on the hot griddle. On one half of the tortilla, spread a generous amount of shredded carnitas, followed by the bell peppers and onions, and then a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. Cook for per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve Carnitas Quesadilla
Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the griddle and cut it into desired portions. Top with a spoonful of the fresh salsa, a drizzle of Mexican crema, and a few strands of shredded lettuce. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a little more of the carnitas cooking liquid over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Before You Cook

Helpful details before you start

Spice LevelMedium

Jalapeño · Black pepper

Ingredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.

View 3 swaps

No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)

AllergensThis recipe contains dairy and gluten.

dairygluten

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

Cooking tipIf You Don't Have a Slow Cooker
You can cook the carnitas on the stovetop in a large pot over low heat until tender.
Flavour tipAdjust the Amount of Jalapeños
Adjust the amount of jalapeños in the salsa to your preferred spice level.
Flavour tipFor Extra Flavor
Toast the tortillas lightly on the griddle before dipping them in the carnitas juice.

Carnitas Fajita Quesadillas with Fresh Salsa

260 mins

Mexican · Tex-Mex

20 min

240 min

4-6 People

~600 kcal

For Carnitas

For Fresh Salsa

For Fajita Quesadillas

Prepare Carnitas for Slow Cooker

Prepare Fresh Salsa

Sauté Bell Peppers and Onions

Shred Carnitas

Assemble and Cook Quesadillas

Serve Carnitas Quesadilla

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