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
![Review of HelloFresh's Pork Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Onions & Monterey Jack Cheese](https://www.noreciperequired.com/files/styles/banner_750x350/public/images/reviews/Carnitas-Tacos_0.jpg)
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 (1274 )
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though...Innocam
This is the reason it really is greater you could important examination before creating. It will be possible to create better write-up like this. best ai tools for business 2024
I'm keen on the various blogposts, When i severely preferred, I'd prefer specifics about the item, due to the fact it is superb., Best wishes concerning producing. cute room décor
I’m having a little issue I cant subscribe your feed, I’m using google reader fyi. white label payment platform
That is promotion deals ads for you to handy examine prior writing. It will be easier to write down better site like that. Technology influence on curriculum development
If you happen to significant fortunate people forms, referring by natural means, additionally you catch the attention of some sort of envy in consideration of those types the other campers surrounding you which have tough times about this subject. awnings China Sodium Metabisulfite 97 Percent Min
Only a few blogger would discuss this topic the way you do.,“:* social media scheduling tools
I am continuously searching online for ideas that can benefit me. Thx! sell payment processing services
Speedily this excellent website may possibly without doubt always be well-known amidst virtually all blogs folks, to the thoughtful articles or blog posts or maybe testimonials. slot online yang bisa pakai dana JPHK88 ?
I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it.. Brown
very good put up, i definitely love this web site, keep on it become a payment service provider
This type of shows up absolutely excellent. Most of these smaller specifics are set up as well as lots of record being familiar with. I like this specific quite a lot. Casino Online
Rapid each of our internet site probably will without doubt come to be reputed using the majority of functioning a new web site people, for the thoughtful content pieces as well as assessment content. Ethnic food leader
Come find the best workout supplements at the cheapest prices online. Get ready for those muscle and strength gains you have been looking for. jili slot เล่นผ่านเว็บ
I’m having a little issue I cant subscribe your feed, I’m using google reader fyi. togel online
Your blog would increase in ranking if you post more often.,;”~` shillong teer previous result
Your blog has piqued a lot of real interest. I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting. I appreciate your efforts very much.สล็อตเว็บตรง
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My blog is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks!สล็อตเว็บตรง
i do a lot of heavy exercise twice a week and it really helped my health to be on excellent condition” gửi hàng đi đài loan qua viettel post]
Can I recently say thats a relief to uncover somebody who really knows what theyre discussing on the internet. You definitely discover how to bring a challenge to light and earn it essential. The diet need to read this and understand this side on the story. I cant think youre not more popular as you certainly hold the gift. Halte66
lbxzoiljxfvnjiumcjun, How long does xanax stay in your system, LOFZVRd. ทดลองเล่นสล็อต pg ซื้อฟรีสปิน
After study a few of the blog posts on your own internet site now, i genuinely as if your strategy for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my site also and let me know what you think. 러시아 출장 안마
This is often just as a fantastic articles my partner and i really actually enjoyed examining. This is simply not on a regular basis that i have got prospective to work through a concern. Crypto Clothing
Fantastic post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Cheers! iso program
I need your position. It is really finer quality than see anyone explain in words from the basis in addition to legibility for this issue needed place are generally handily found. web hosting companies in kenya
That is definitely also an effective upload we essentially prized reviewing. Doable day after day that him and i have the opportunity to find the first thing. People's Keto Gummies
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is fantastic, as well as the content!<a href="https://bydigitalnomads.com/2024-major-site-top10">메이저놀이터</a>
It really is also an incredible write-up i absolutely savored evaluating. It is not automatically day-to-day i produce the ability to find anything at all.UGSLOT
I’m the with regard to the majority of the content pieces, We completely savored, I'd truly choose much more information concerning this particular, considering the fact that it is good., Thanks intended for publishing. puravive on sale
Thanks for this grand post, I am glad I detected this internet site on yahoo. rút tiền QH88
Nice post. I discover some thing much harder on different blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to learn content from other writers and use a little there. I’d choose to apply certain with the content on my own weblog regardless of whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide link on the web weblog. Thanks for sharing. 레플리카샵
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I¡¦ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! how to start a merchant services business
This kind of looks entirely best. These tiny information are manufactured in addition to massive amount historical past comprehending. I enjoy this kind of a whole lot. gclub slot
Yo!. Certainly liked reading your post. It was very informative and helpful. I hope you do not mind me blogging concerning this post on my personal blog. Will definitely link back to you. Nice site theme! Salamat. 레플리카샵
Hey, thanks for sharing… I always look forward to reading your posts… one of the few blogs I still follow! twin
Gratitude for your post. I've been pondering composing a truly tantamount post over the most recent few weeks, I'll presumably keep it straightforward and connection to this all things being equal if that is cool. Much obliged. 15รับ100
Would you mind me wondering where you got the graphic in this post from?style. iso merchant processing
Which is moreover an excellent distribute that we in fact treasured researching. It is not daily that individuals keep the chance to learn a very important factor.Win247
Dive into the flavors of the ocean with a poke bowl in Reno, where fresh fish and vibrant ingredients come together.poke bowl sushi
If more people that write articles involved themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. I have learned too many things from your article. 01en374
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. Image Background Removal Service
*South Western Asian nations * where no one has WMDs … Swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles
If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Prostadine
That'sthe purpose marketing and advertising which you ideal groundwork before making. Additionally it is achievable to write down improved upon submitting using this. men bomber jackets
Immigration Lawyers… [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]… how to become a credit card processor
Will not simply turn a very important thing such as duty money back guarantee towards a bad thing enjoy i . d break-ins. hospitality interior design
Because of this , advertising campaigns strategies to be able to helpful check out sooner than publishing. Be more successful to jot down far better location such as this.meongemas
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks! bokep xnxx
Hy, it is very helpfull to me this blog give me very informative information it help me alot and you can also check my blog <a href="https://talkkhel.com/">Talkkhel</a>
Add to that list Michael Pena and Bridget Moynahan, the two adults among three other children whom Nantz and his men locate at the station. selling merchant services