Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMercado PasadenaCarnitas Sandwich Recipe

Carnitas Sandwich Recipe

Inspired by Mercado Pasadena
Time8h
Serves4

slow-cooked natural pork, lettuce, guacamole, tomatoes, onions, queso fresco, chile de árbol aioli, house salad or french fries

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Ingredients

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Pork Carnitas

Sandwich Assembly

Side Dish

Method

Pork Carnitas Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pork

    Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano.

  2. 2

    Add Aromatics

    Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Add crushed garlic cloves, quartered onion, bay leaves, orange juice, and lime juice.

  3. 3

    Cook

    Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds.

  4. 4

    Shred the Pork

    Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

  5. 5

    Crisp the Pork (Optional)

    For added texture, you can spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy.

Sandwich Assembly

  1. 6

    Prepare the Buns

    Slice the buns in half and lightly toast them if desired.

  2. 7

    Assemble the Sandwich

    Layer the shredded pork on the bottom half of the bun, followed by lettuce, guacamole, sliced tomatoes, diced onion, and queso fresco.

  3. 8

    Add Sauce

    Drizzle the chile de árbol aioli over the top and place the other half of the bun on top.

Serving

  1. 9

    Choose a Side

    Serve the carnitas sandwiches with a side of house salad or french fries, as per your preference.

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