20 Tasty Sides to Serve with Juicy Pork Carnitas

Pork carnitas, slowly braised or roasted pork that is shredded into tender, bite-sized pieces, make for amazing Mexican-inspired tacos and burritos But carnitas are also delicious served in a bowl over rice or with tortilla chips for nachos No matter how you serve it up, pork carnitas need some fresh, tasty accompaniments.

The rich, savory shredded pork benefits from contrasting textures, temperatures, colors, and flavors. Here are 20 fantastic side dishes to serve alongside your flavorful pork carnitas:

Classic Fresh Toppings

These fresh ingredients are essential for building carnita tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. Their cool crunch and bright flavors perfectly complement the pork.

• Shredded Cheese – Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blends or crumbled cotija cheese over carnitas for creaminess, The salty cheese enhances the pork’s seasoning,

• Jalapeños – For spice, slice up fresh jalapeños and scatter them over carnitas. You can also try pickled jalapeño slices for tang.

• Shredded Cabbage – For crunch, add shredded green or purple cabbage. Mix in lime juice and cilantro if you like. The crisp cabbage cuts through the rich pork.

• Cilantro Lime Slaw – Make a fast slaw by tossing shredded cabbage with lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, and seasoning. It’s fresh and vibrant with the carnitas.

• Diced Avocado – Cubed avocado adds creaminess and cools down spicy carnitas. It also provides healthy fats to balance the protein-rich pork.

• Lettuce and Tomato – Crisp lettuce leaves and sliced tomatoes make carnitas tacos more fresh and hearty. Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce all work beautifully.

• Sour Cream – Dollop on sour cream for a creamy, tangy cooling contrast. Mexican crema is also delicious if you can find it.

• Lemon or Lime Juice – Brighten up the pork’s flavors with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. The acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.

Hot Tortillas and Chips

What better vehicle for pork carnitas than warm tortillas, tostadas, and corn chips? Scoop the carnitas into these crispy, hearty starches. The contrasts in texture are amazing.

• Corn tortillas, warmed and stacked, for soft tacos
• Flour tortillas, warmed and rolled, for burritos
• Fried corn tostada shells, for a crispy base
• Tortilla chips, either homemade or store-bought
• Fritos or other corn chips add fun crunch and saltiness

Savory Rice and Beans

Hearty rice and beans make satisfying pairings with shredded carnitas. The spices in the pork seasoning complement these classic sides wonderfully.

• Mexican rice, studded with tomatoes, onions, and garlic
• Cilantro lime rice, for bright herb flavor
• Simple white or brown rice with lime wedges
• Refried beans, smooth and richly flavored
• Black beans or pinto beans with diced onions and cilantro

Salsas and Sauces

Don’t forget salsa and sauce to really bring the flavors together. Their spicy, tangy, and fresh qualities balance out the rich carnitas.

• Pico de gallo, with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños and cilantro
• Tomatillo salsa verde, tangy and light green in color
• Roasted red salsa for deep, smoky flavor
• Guacamole, chunky or smooth, adds richness
• Sour cream or Mexican crema for cooling contrast
• Mojo sauce, made with garlic, citrus, and herbs

Crisp Veggies and Salads

For nutrition and even more texture contrasts, enjoy pork carnitas with fresh vegetable sides. Their crunch, colors, and acidity complement carnitas wonderfully.

• Shredded cabbage slaw with vinaigrette
• Diced jicama with lime juice and chili powder
• Radish slices with salt and lime wedges
• Quick pickled red onions and jalapeños
• Chopped cucumbers with mint
• Corn on the cob with lime butter
• Tomato wedges sprinkled with salt and pepper

Fun Extras

Round out your carnita meal with these unique additions. Their diverse flavors and textures make for amazing flavor combinations.

• Diced mango or pineapple for tropical flavor
• Roasted sweet potato cubes
• Queso fresco crumbles for salty creaminess
• Roasted pepitas for crunch
• Thinly sliced radishes add peppery bite
• Grilled corn on the cob, street vendor style

With juicy pork carnitas as your protein centerpiece, the possibilities for amazing sides are endless. Try out different combinations and see which flavors you like best. The shredded pork pairs perfectly with so many fresh ingredients. Just add tortillas or chips and you’ve got an easy, amazing Mexican-style dinner!