Pork Carnitas Quesadillas with Pineapple Salsa

Savor the bold, mouthwatering fusion of flavors with these Pork Carnitas Quesadillas paired with a vibrant Pineapple Salsa. Succulent, slow-cooked pork carnitas infused with orange juice, garlic, and spices are tucked between crispy golden flour tortillas, adorned with layers of gooey Mexican blend cheese. A refreshing homemade pineapple salsa, bursting with sweet and tangy notes from fresh pineapple, lime juice, and jalapeño, provides the perfect balance to the rich, savory quesadillas. This recipe is a show-stopping meal, combining tender shredded pork and tropical flair in just one bite. Ideal for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these quesadillas are as versatile as they are irresistible. Perfect for fans of Tex-Mex cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Pork shoulder (boneless)
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 0.5 cup Orange juice
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 8 Flour tortillas
• 2 cups Shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup Fresh pineapple, diced
• 0.25 cup Red onion, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 1 Jalapeño, finely minced
• 2 tbsp Lime juice
• 1 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the pork carnitas: In a slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, chicken broth, orange juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shredded.

Step 2

Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Optionally, crisp up the meat by spreading it on a baking sheet and broiling it in the oven for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through.

Step 3

While the pork cooks, prepare the pineapple salsa: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and set aside.

Step 4

Assemble the quesadillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil. Place one flour tortilla onto the skillet.

Step 5

Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese evenly onto the tortilla, followed by a layer of shredded carnitas. Top with additional cheese and another tortilla.

Step 6

Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is crispy and golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 7

Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and pork carnitas.

Step 8

Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with pineapple salsa on the side or spooned over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1782.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3135.8

Total Fat 190.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 86.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 517.5mg	0%
Sodium 6572.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 215.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 38.2g
Protein 162.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2289.1mg	0%
Iron 20.6mg	0%
Potassium 2496.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.2%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 26.7%