Review of HelloFresh's Pork Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Onions & Monterey Jack Cheese
Review Summary
When I first saw that HelloFresh had “Carnitas Tacos…..”, I was both excited and a bit skeptical. You see, Carnitas tacos are among my favorite things to eat. Traditionally made from slow cooked pork butt/shoulder that becomes super tender and flavorful after hours of cooking; yet the meat has a crispy crust from a last minute high heat char.
Of course, with just a bit of reading I knew when I ordered the meal, the meat I was getting sent was ground pork – not what you normally make carnitas out of. But I was curious if HelloFresh could help me possibly get close to a traditional version, in about 30 minutes.
Well, the reality I found out, is you can’t. These tacos really shouldn’t be labeled “carnitas”. I understand that it’s a nice name, and probably helps sell the dish; and that both this version and the traditional use pork – but that’s not really what they are. And should you try them, don't go in with the expectation that you’ll get a traditional carnitas.
Use this Discount Code to Try HelloFresh
Fortunately, the name (and the associated expectation) is about my only criticism of the recipe. At the end of the day, I had some pretty damn tasty ground pork tacos.
All of the ingredients that came were fresh, of high quality and tasted like they should. There was enough food for 6 reasonable sized tacos, and the whole meal took me about 35 minutes to make.
I really liked the amount of fresh onion and pepper provided, as both added flavor and texture to the taco filling. The spices, (along with the tomato) added a nice depth of flavor, and you could easily control the level of heat by adding more or less chili powder. The fresh vegetables and sour cream finished everything with fresh, light notes.
As I said, this isn’t a traditional carnitas – it’s much more like the ground beef tacos I grew up on as a kid (but with pork). But it tastes good, was simple to make, and I’d happily order it again.
Ingredients
The box from HelloFresh came with all the ingredients nicely organized. Inside there were two bags, one for each recipe I ordered, with all the ingredients packed together except for the proteins. The ground pork was packaged separately, sandwiched between ice packs. It was super easy to move everything to the fridge for cooking later in the week.
When unpacking the ingredients, everything looked fresh, and high quality. The red onion looked like it got knocked around a bit and had a minor dent it in, but there wasn’t anything I wasn’t happy with. Included in the box (packaged for 2 servings) was:
- Ground Pork
- Roma Tomato
- Tomato paste
- Red onion
- Lime
- Poblano pepper
- Sour cream
- Fajita seasoning
- Chipotle chili powder
- Monterey jack cheese
- White wine vinegar
- Concentrated chicken stock
- 6 soft taco shells
- Cilantro
The only things that I had to have on hand were oil, salt, pepper and sugar
Making the dish
Traditional carnitas takes hours with slow roasted pork…this recipe required no such effort. HelloFresh breaks cooking the recipe down into six steps – all of which are simple enough for a novice. The recipe took me about 40 minutes to make (of course I was filming it too) and didn’t require any special techniques or equipment.
- Prep the ingredients: After washing & drying the produce, you do all the prep work, by dicing & slicing the red onion (you pickle the slices), dicing the pepper, tomato & cilantro
- Pickle the Onions: You make a quick pickling liquid with the vinegar, some salt & sugar, and the put the sliced red onions in; these make a nice tangy garnish for the taco’s
- Cook the pork: Cooking the pork off in a pan with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, is easy and takes about 10 minutes. Cooking the meat separately, and first, is the same way I start my own tacos. Once fully cooked, you move the meat to the side and start the vegetables
- Cook the Vegetables: To the same pan, you add the onions, peppers (and a bit more oil), and cook until the vegetables are softened. You then add the pork back to the dish, along with a package of concentrated chicken stock, water & fajita spices. As you cook, you scrape up all the brown bits from the pan (that’s added flavor).
- Make the Sour Cream: Instead of “plain” sour cream (which is fine if you like it that way), HelloFresh makes it spicy with the addition of chipotle chili powder. Add as much or as little as you like
- Plate the tacos: Right before serving you warm the flour tortillas up (20 seconds in a microwave works), and then divide the pork filling between them. Top with onions, tomato, cheese and cilantro and you’re good to go.
- Most people shouldn’t have any trouble getting this recipe done in about 30 minutes; 40 if you’re a bit slower. And you don’t really need any special equipment (it’s all one pan) or techniques to pull everything together.
Taste
Despite the fact that these tacos are not traditional carnitas in any way, I did like them. It’s a very simple recipe that is made successful by the amount of seasoning (both the spices & salt/pepper), and the freshness of the garnishes.
The amount of fajita spice and the added chicken stock concentrate gave the pork enough flavor to provide the main “body” of the taco – despite only being cooked for about 15 minutes total. If you have more time, simmering for longer would help bring out even more flavor.
The pickled red onion/lime juice really add a nice acidic pop to the taco, as well as (along with the tomato) a nice contrast in texture and temperature.
And finally, the sour cream, spiked with more chili powder, let you add some real heat to the taco, as well as some fat from the sour cream that helps all the ingredients come together.
I didn’t think there was anything wildly interesting or unique about these tacos. There was not a major “wow” to them. They simply “got the job done” in a very simple, and very tasty would. I’d be happy to have them in a regular rotation.
HelloFresh's Pork Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Onions & Monterey Jack Cheese
Overall
These are perfectly fine tacos from HelloFresh. I thought they tasted good. They were easy to make. And I'd happy have them once every couple weeks.
But, as I mentioned, they were not carnitas tacos. And they didn’t really have anything special or exciting about them, that I wouldn’t expect and while I think they would be a crowd pleaser, they are not going wow anybody with unusual, interesting, or unique flavors. If you're cooking for kids, I think they'd love this one.
I liked that they were easy to make despite the fact that there are a lot of ingredients. It only takes one pan for all the cooking, so clean up is not that bad, and I could easily see cranking this one out after getting home late from work.
If you give it a try, let me know what you think in the comments. And if you're looking to try HelloFresh, make sure you get a discount by clicking the link below.
Comments (1282 )
Black Ops Zombies… [...]some people still have not played this game. It’s hard to imagine or believe, but yes, some people are missing out on all of the fun.[...]… william larue weller bourbo
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next! 해외베팅솔루션
I got what you mean , saved to my bookmarks , very nice website . 메이저토토사이트
The Casino Environment Before the recent economic downturn, commercial casinos collected at least $30 billion in revenues each year from 2005 through 2008.1 During this period, US casino owners built new facilities and expanded the size of their existing facilities. As a result of the economic downturn, new US commercial casino construction has come to a screeching halt and casino operators are now focused on existing facility cost reduction. ซื้อหวยออนไลน์
Glad to be one of several visitants on this amazing web site : D. 메이저 토토
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next! 안전토토사이트
Sewing Machines… [...]plenty of time to read through as well as visit the articles as well as sites we have now linked to[...]… 토토먹튀
Oh my goodness! a great write-up dude. Thanks a ton Nevertheless We are experiencing problem with ur rss . Do not know why Not able to join it. Could there be everyone obtaining identical rss difficulty? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx www.meerodrop.com
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Truly rarely should i encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail within the head. Your notion is outstanding; the pain is an issue that insufficient everyone is speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that we stumbled across this inside my try to find some thing relating to this. mega888 apk
I really appreciate this post. I¡¦ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You've made my day! Thanks again mega888 apk download link
Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated! https://lineshapespace.com
This appears undeniably remarkable. All of these very small facts are constructed choosing large selection about qualifying measures know-how. Document gift a good deal quite a lot. seamless rain gutters
The when I just read a blog, I really hope it doesnt disappoint me approximately this place. Get real, Yes, it was my choice to read, but I just thought youd have some thing intriguing to express. All I hear can be a couple of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy interested in attention.[url=https://www.saudi-visa.org/id/visa-turis-arab-saudi/]Visa Turis Arab Saudi[/url]
The when I just read a blog, I really hope it doesnt disappoint me approximately this place. Get real, Yes, it was my choice to read, but I just thought youd have some thing intriguing to express. All I hear can be a couple of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy interested in attention. Visa Turis Arab Saudi
Are you looking for a legit online psychedelics shop to buy DMT online, then search no further than DMTNexus, your most reliable place for DMT for sale. We deliver discreetly within USA, to Canada and UK Buy DMT Online
Aw, this is an extremely good post. In concept I have to put in writing similar to this moreover – spending time and actual effort to manufacture a great article… but so what can I say… I procrastinate alot and also no indicates manage to get something completed. <a href="https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/%EC%B9%B4%EC%A7%80%EB%85%...">슬롯사이트</a>
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Appreciate it Even so We’re experiencing issue with ur rss . Do not know why Not able to subscribe to it. Is there anyone acquiring identical rss issue? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx https://phimsex.news/
Good post. I be taught one thing tougher on totally different blogs everyday. It should always be stimulating to learn content material from other writers and practice a bit of something from their store. I’d favor to make use of some with the content on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a hyperlink in your net blog. Thanks for sharing. https://nhacaiuytin5.org/
Could potentially be at the same time a fairly fantastic post that marilyn and i clearly loved comprehending. Usually not regularly of which see the the chances to buy a device. Pool Renovations Capetown
This is exactly equally an excellent content i quite really liked checking. This isn't all the time which i possess potential to work out an issue.<a href="https://onlinecartstore.com/bulk-thc-carts/">Wholesale Cartridges</a>
This is exactly equally an excellent content i quite really liked checking. This isn't all the time which i possess potential to work out an issue. Wholesale Cartridges
I advise to you to come on a site where there is a lot of information on a theme interesting you. Will not regret. https://truyentranh.net/
Spot i’ll carry on with this write-up, I seriously think this web site needs a lot more consideration. I’ll more likely be once again you just read considerably more, many thanks for that information. pussy888 apk 2024
bio gamingI think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, terrific blog!
It is besides an ideal piece of writing i just absolutely cherished contemplating. Its nope day-to-day i just support the successful opportunity to observe an item. evisa form online
Be a part of the all-inclusive Gujarat Tour Packages and this journey to one of the most interesting lands in India. customized Gujarat packages for your family. Gujarat's vibrant markets, where traditional crafts, textiles, and artifacts highlight the state's cultural heritage, bring the state's colorful tapestry to life.
My husband and i felt now joyful Ervin could finish up his inquiry with the precious recommendations he was given in your web pages. It's not at all simplistic just to happen to be making a gift of methods that many people may have been trying to sell. Therefore we understand we need the writer to give thanks to for that. These explanations you made, the easy website menu, the relationships you will make it possible to foster - it's got all astounding, and it's really leading our son and the family consider that that subject matter is thrilling, and that is extremely serious. Thanks for all the pieces! köpa sobril på nätet utan recept
Because of this , appear you should important researching previously penning. It's possible in order to healthier put up in such a manner.[url=https://psychedelics72.com/product-category/poppy-pods-for-sale/]dry poppy heads near me[/url]
Because of this , appear you should important researching previously penning. It's possible in order to healthier put up in such a manner. dry poppy heads near me
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it. baby formula wholesale distributor
Whats up, I’m ranking the crap out of “zygor guides”. iPhone 12 Pro Max Hüllen
Multicast Wireless is a mission-based, cutting edge, progressive multimedia organization located in Huntsville, Alabama. Personalisierte iPhone 12 Pro Max Hüllen
Hello there, I discovered your blog by way of Google at the same time as looking for a comparable topic, your site got here up, it seems to be great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. https://mb66.media/
The below appears prefer most likely awesome. Almost all these limited ideas are created with the use of range of facial foundation comprehension. I like these products somewhat. https://789bet.luxury/
Bless you for this specific tips I was basically researching all Google in order to find it! https://nhacaidep.bet/
There is noticeably a lot of money to learn about this. I suppose you made particular nice points in features also. Dry cleaning pickup and delivery in Lekki
That'sthe explanation promoting that you just suited preparation in advance of developing. It is usually probable to jot down increased putting up using this type of. ratugacor
Well, this is very good, however how about the other choices we have here? Would you mind publishing a further post about them also? Thanks! https://j888.live/
This excellent is undoubtedly fantastic. Most of these minuscule truth is generated applying broad range connected with accreditation know-how. When i benefit taking that approach lots. https://ta88.guru/
Have you ever ever considered including extra movies to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I simply learn by your complete article of yours and it was fairly good but since I’m more of a visual learner,I discovered that to be extra useful effectively let me know the way it seems! I love what you guys are always up too. Such clever work and reporting! Sustain the great works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll. This can be a great article thanks for sharing this informative information.. I’ll go to your weblog regularly for some newest post. Anyway, in my language, there are usually not much good source like this. đại lý p3
The application comes across as being thoroughly acceptable. Each one of slighter points was manufactured because of a number of listing degree. I adore the required forms ample amounts. tapered jeans factory
The application comes across as being thoroughly acceptable. Each one of slighter points was manufactured because of a number of listing degree. I adore the required forms ample amounts. <a href="https://juajeans.com/tapered-jeans-suppliers/">tapered jeans factory</a>
The application comes across as being thoroughly acceptable. Each one of slighter points was manufactured because of a number of listing degree. I adore the required forms ample amounts. tapered jeans factory
The application comes across as being thoroughly acceptable. Each one of slighter points was manufactured because of a number of listing degree. I adore the required forms ample amounts. tapered jeans factory
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. future of gaming
I’m impressed, I must say. Actually not often do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your idea is excellent; the issue is something that not enough people are talking intelligently about. I’m very completely satisfied that I stumbled across this in my search for one thing relating to this. Ameriški program za odpravo vizumov
Crucial online marketing you just it applies seek before submission. It will probably be simple and easy to jot down advanced write-up which. bone head extracts
This is certainly what is more a fairly superior blog post that many of us without doubt adored measuring. Not likely each and every day which unfortunately utilize the prospects to get yourself a system. Alien Labs Disposable
This presents itself fully suitable. Almost all these modest points were created in conjunction with great deal of heritage realizing. I adore that lots. ACOMPANHANTES SP
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and adore learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is extremely helpful for me. Thaiwin88 Slot Dana