13 Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Pork Carnitas

Juicy, flavorful pork carnitas make for an amazing Mexican-inspired meal. But what should you serve alongside the tender, crispy pork? The possibilities are endless, but some classic sides really take carnitas to the next level.

In this article we’ll cover 13 of the best side dishes to pair with pork carnitas. From rice and beans to salads, salsas and more these recipes complement the meat perfectly. With a spread of these carnitas-friendly sides, you’ll have a fiesta-worthy feast. Let’s get cooking!

Absorb the Flavors with Mexican Rice

A steaming plate of Mexican rice is one of the most traditional and delicious complements to pork carnitas. When slow-cooked in seasoned broth, rice takes on a reddish hue and an irresistible savory flavor.

The tender grains soak up the juices and spice from the carnitas, adding even more flavor. Plus, rice provides the perfect neutral base that doesn’t compete with the pork. For an easy recipe, simmer rice with canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.

Brighten Things Up with Cilantro Lime Rice

For a fresh, vibrant take on rice, whip up a batch of cilantro lime rice. Cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth rather than water for an extra flavor boost. Then stir in a generous amount of chopped cilantro and the zest and juice of several limes.

The bright, citrusy notes cut through the richness of the carnitas beautifully. The cilantro adds a pleasant herbal note as well. For extra flavor, use coconut milk instead of broth to make the rice extra creamy and fragrant.

Go Classic with Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

What could be better than tender grilled corn slathered in creamy, spicy goodness? Elote is a classic Mexican street food that’s equally at home on your dinner table.

Char the corn over the grill or broil it until slightly blackened and caramelized. Brush with a mixture of mayo Cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an unbeatable medley of flavors and textures. The sweet juiciness of the corn perfectly balances the pork carnitas.

Bake Up Some Jalapeño Cornbread

Warm, cheesy cornbread studded with fiery jalapeños is an awesome carnitas side. The slight sweetness plays off the pork beautifully, while the spicy kick keeps things interesting.

For an easy cornbread, combine cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapeños. Bake until golden and serve it up! The cornbread makes for great mini sandwiches with the carnitas or dipping into any leftover juices.

Go For a Protein Punch with Black Bean Salad

Get a protein and fiber boost in one fell swoop with a hearty black bean salad. Simply toss cooked black beans with veggies like corn, bell pepper, and onion. Dress it with lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, and chili powder.

The cool, creamy beans contrast the crispy, salty carnitas wonderfully. Feel free to add other mix-ins like avocado, tomatoes, or hot sauce. You can make this salad ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners too.

Liven Things Up with a Southwest Salad

When you want something refreshing but still hearty, whip up a southwest salad. Start with a base of crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, onions, corn, black beans, and avocado.

Top it with shredded seasoned chicken or pork for extra protein. The salad is dressed with a bold vinaigrette of olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and spices. Every bite packs a flavorful crunch that cuts through the rich carnitas.

Scoop Up Guacamole and Chips

You can’t go wrong pairing carnitas with the dynamic duo of crunchy tortilla chips and creamy guacamole. Making guacamole is easy; simply mash avocados with onion, tomato, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.

The cool, velvety dip provides the perfect contrast to the crispy carnitas. And scooping it up with tortilla chips adds another fun texture andinjection of corn flavor. Homemade or store-bought chips and guac are carnitas perfection.

Dive Into a Bowl of Salsa and Chips

Another awesome carnitas pairing is freshly-made salsa. It packs a flavorful punch that enhances the pork perfectly. And chips are the best vehicle for getting that salsa from bowl to mouth.

Make your salsa as simple or complex as you’d like. At minimum, dice tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Or get creative with peach, mango, or pineapple salsa variations. A store-bought option works great too. Dig in!

Bake Up Cheesy Hatch Chile Cornbread

For an indulgent, Southwestern spin on cornbread, whip up a batch with hatch chiles and lots of cheese. The sweet cornmeal combined with spicy chiles and gooey cheese makes for an irresistible side.

The slight heat from the hatch chiles cuts through the rich pork carnitas deliciously. Feel free to switch up the add-ins as well – bacon, scallions, or roasted poblanos would all be amazing.

Fill Up On Cheesy Mexican Corn Casserole

When only an indulgent, comforting casserole will do, make this Mexican corn casserole your go-to. It features sweet corn, diced green chiles, cheese, and a sprinkling of taco seasoning baked in a creamy base.

With its satisfying creaminess and south-of-the-border twist, it’s the ultimate partner for juicy carnitas. Garnish it with cilantro and cotija for even more flavor. Forget the fork and scoop it right onto tortillas!

Crunch on a Roasted Poblano and Corn Salad

Fire-roasted poblano peppers add a delicious charred flavor to fresh corn in this hearty salad. Diced poblano gets tossed with corn kernels, red onion, cilantro, and a tangy lime vinaigrette.

The mixture of cool, crunchy veggies with creamy dressing and a hint of heat complements carnitas wonderfully. Make this salad ahead since the flavors just get better as they meld.

Keep it Simple with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Don’t underestimate simple mashed potatoes as a carnitas side dish. When spiked with tons of garlic and melty butter, they’re pure comfort food that perfectly soaks up meat juices.

After boiling and mashing the potatoes, stir in at least 4 minced garlic cloves and copious amounts of butter. Season generously with salt and pepper. Fluffy, buttery spuds are exactly what your carnitas feast needs.

Bake Up Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Equally decadent but with a creamier texture, cheesy scalloped potatoes are a carnitas must-try. Sliced russet potatoes get layered with a garlic-infused creamy cheese sauce and baked until bubbling and golden.

Every bite delivers an indulgent mouthful of potatoes and cheese that pairs flawlessly with juicy pork. The crispy, cheesy topping contrasts the carnitas texture wonderfully. Dig in and enjoy!

Sample Carnitas Meal Ideas

Here are a few full meal ideas featuring pork carnitas and delicious sides:

• Carnitas, Mexican Rice, Elote, Guacamole and Chips
• Carnitas, Cilantro Lime Rice, Black Bean Salad, Churros for dessert
• Carnitas, Jalapeño Cornbread, Southwest Salad, Sopapillas
• Carnitas, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Roasted Poblano and Corn Salad, Flan

With the right combination of bright, hearty, and indulgent sides, you can create an unforgettable carnitas feast. Now get cooking and invite the whole family over – it’s fiesta time!