Second this. Definitely will not retain that crisp if you freeze it!
2 Likes
Disagree 
Late to the party, but I second this. I also think Del Real’s birria taco kit and their rice are pretty good.
1 Like
I chimed in on another comment that I think the Del Real ones are pretty decent. That being said, I spied a similar item at ALDI the other day. Haven’t tried them yet, but will report back when I do. Just wanted to add in another option that was available if you have an ALDI near you.
1 Like
I love carnitas, too, but the whole production of carnitas is, as you say, very time consuming. Now and then when I have pretty much any form of leftover pork I make carnitas that meet the definition (bits of crisped meat) but are quite different, quick and easy. Cube it, sprinkle it liberally with something like Fiesta steak seasoning, crisp it in hot oil, sprinkle and toss with cumin and ground chiles, pour in a bit of Worcestershire and cook it down, pour in orange juice and cook it down until the pieces are a cross between crispy and sticky.
3 Likes
They have been discussed in this very thread 
1 Like
My apologies. Did not have my caffeine before I posted lol. Must have skipped some replies.
1 Like
Happens to the best of us. Let us know what you think of them 
Today I went to order the Roli-Roti carnitas from Safeway and they were GONE! Not just listed as “out of stock”, but non-existent. )c:
So I decided I’d make my own… and after filling my cart with the pork, tortillas, and everything else I would need to make the salsa verde/toppings it was $40+. This translates to about $20/pound with all the fixings (and 3+ hours to do).
But I can go 14 miles down the hill to my fav taqueria and get a pound of them, which are among the best I’ve ever had (with 10 tortillas and all the fixings) for $15.
SUPERMARKET PRICES UP HERE ARE JUST CRAZY!!!
5 Likes
I just was going to ask if you had tried the Roli Roti carnitas because I found them yesterday at a local chain - Mollie Stone’s. I’m going to be making them in the next few days so I’ll report back.
However, your local taqueria solution sounds like the best one! 
3 Likes
Yeah, you’re right, but don’t always want to make the drive. Not sure if Safeway will get them back, but would luv to hear how good the Roli Roti’s are.
1 Like
I made the Roli Roti carnitas for a taco dinner last night. While I don’t have tons of carnitas experience, I thought they were really good. They were very flavorful with a nice orange flavor and there were flecks of orange peel (?) throughout. They come sealed in plastic in a big clump, and you heat and shred them in a frying pan. It took about 15 minutes. I’d definitely get them again. Did they ever reappear at your Safeway?
1 Like
Nope… but glad to hear they’re good.
Imperfect Foods (subscription box) has them this week.
Has anyone tried the Trader Joe’s carnitas? They look odd, not pulled apart, just chunks of cooked pork shoulder.
The Aldi carnitas are also chunks.
I just pull them apart with a couple of forks and throw it in the toaster oven to crisp up a little
1 Like
I did the Del Real ones today and was disappointed. Did a half batch, cooked them as recommended (stovetop), doctored with just a bit of kosher salt, but by the time I was able to get a little brown crisp on them they were really dry and still kinda tasteless. There is just not enough fat in these… plus some chunks are tough for a slow, long roasted pork.
So I need to figure out a better way to do them. Thinking I will skip the steaming step and heat them in medium-low-medium EVOO and/or butter with garlic, onions, salt, and orange zest (and maybe a dash of Worcestershire to finish).
Any other ideas?
I recently bought the Del Real carnitas at Costco - the meat is delicious, we all liked it! (The bean/cheese pupusas were excellent too.) I agree the flavor is pretty neutral, not as citrus-y as the recipes I’ve tried.
TBH if you’re gonna go through all that… might as well make your own.
1 Like
