If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ve probably heard of carne adovada. This flavorful dish is made with marinated pork that is slow-cooked to perfection. While traditionally cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, you can also make carne adovada in the oven. This method allows the meat to get tender and juicy, while the marinade infuses it with delicious flavors.

To make carne adovada in the oven, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Pork shoulder is the most commonly used cut of meat, as it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. You’ll also need a combination of spices, such as chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder, to create the flavorful marinade. A touch of vinegar adds acidity and helps to tenderize the meat.

Before cooking the carne adovada, it’s important to marinate the pork for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes it even more delicious. Once the marinating time is up, the meat is ready to be cooked in the oven. Preheat the oven to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C), and place the pork in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to help trap the moisture and create a steamy environment for the meat.

Carne adovada needs to be cooked slowly to become tender and flavorful. Depending on the size and thickness of your pork pieces, it will take around 2 to 3 hours in the oven. You’ll know it’s done when the meat easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the carne adovada rest for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed on its own, wrapped in a tortilla, or served with rice and beans for a complete meal.

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In conclusion, cooking carne adovada in the oven is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this traditional Mexican dish. With a flavorful marinade and slow cooking, you’ll end up with tender, juicy pork that’s bursting with flavor. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this tasty and satisfying dish!

Carne Adovada: A Delicious Oven-Baked Recipe

Carne adovada is a flavorful and tender pork dish that has its roots in New Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, it is made by marinating chunks of pork in a sauce made from red chilies, garlic, and vinegar, then simmered on the stovetop until the meat is tender and the flavors are well-developed. However, if you don’t have time to tend to a simmering pot on the stove, you can also make a mouthwatering carne adovada in the oven.

To make oven-baked carne adovada, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients Quantity
Pork shoulder, cut into chunks 2 pounds
Red chili powder 3 tablespoons
Garlic cloves, minced 4
Vinegar 1/4 cup
Oregano 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Water 1 cup
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the red chili powder, minced garlic, vinegar, oregano, salt, black pepper, and water. Mix well to form a marinade. Add the pork chunks to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Once the meat has marinated, transfer it along with the marinade to a baking dish. The dish should be large enough to hold the pork in a single layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.

After the cooking time is complete, remove the dish from the oven and allow the carne adovada to rest for a few minutes. Then, use a fork to shred the pork into smaller pieces. You can serve the carne adovada as a filling for tacos, inside a burrito, or simply on its own with rice and beans.

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This oven-baked carne adovada recipe is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the bold and spicy flavors of New Mexican cuisine. The slow cooking process in the oven allows the meat to become extremely tender and absorb the flavors of the marinade. Try this recipe for a satisfying and authentic taste of carne adovada at home.

The Origins of Carne Adovada

Carne adovada is a traditional dish from New Mexico, a state in the southwestern region of the United States. New Mexico cuisine is heavily influenced by the Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures, and carne adovada is a perfect reflection of this diverse culinary heritage.

The word “adovada” comes from the Spanish verb “adobar,” which means to marinate or season. Carne adovada refers to pork that has been marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices and then cooked to perfection.

Native American and Spanish Influences

The history of carne adovada can be traced back to the Native American tribes who inhabited the region long before the arrival of the Spanish. These indigenous peoples had been using various native chili peppers in their cooking for centuries. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the region in the 16th century, they introduced European ingredients such as pork and garlic to the native cuisine.

Over time, the Native American and Spanish culinary traditions merged, and carne adovada emerged as a unique dish that combined the native chili peppers with Spanish ingredients and cooking techniques. The marinating and slow-cooking process allowed the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious and tender dish.

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Mexican Influence

In the 19th century, New Mexico became a part of Mexico, and Mexican influences further shaped the cuisine of the region. Mexican spices and cooking techniques, such as the use of dried chili peppers and slow-cooking methods, became integrated into New Mexico’s culinary repertoire.

Carne adovada, with its bold flavors and hearty texture, became a popular dish in New Mexico and is now considered a staple of New Mexican cuisine. It is often served in burritos, enchiladas, or as a main dish accompanied by rice and beans.

Ingredients for Carne Adovada

Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make carne adovada:

  • 2 pounds of pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons of New Mexico red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Note: You can adjust the amount of chili powder depending on your desired spice level.

Preparing the Meat for Carne Adovada

Before you start cooking carne adovada in the oven, you need to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps to ensure your carne adovada turns out tender and flavorful:

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  1. Choose the right cut of meat: Traditionally, carne adovada is made with pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts of meat have a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
  2. Trim and cut the meat: Before marinating, trim any excess fat from the meat and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help the meat absorb the marinade and cook more evenly.
  3. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients, such as red chile powder, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and vinegar. Mix well to form a paste.
  4. Marinate the meat: Place the meat in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure every piece is coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
  5. Bring the meat to room temperature: About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure more even cooking.

By properly preparing the meat for carne adovada, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious and authentic dish. Once the meat is ready, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe to cook it in the oven.

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Marinating and Seasoning Carne Adovada

Marinating the meat is an essential step in preparing delicious carne adovada. The marinade adds flavor and helps to tenderize the pork. Here’s how you can marinate and season your carne adovada:

1. Prepare the marinade

Start by combining the following ingredients in a bowl:

  • 2 cups of red chile sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

2. Marinate the pork

Place the pork pieces in a large dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. You can marinate the pork for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop.

Make sure to mix the pork occasionally in the marinade to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

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3. Season the carne adovada

Before cooking the carne adovada, you can further enhance its flavor by seasoning it with additional spices. Combine the following ingredients in a small bowl:

  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the marinated pork, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. The seasoning will add an extra layer of flavor to your final dish.

Now that you have marinated and seasoned your carne adovada, you are ready to cook it in the oven. Follow the cooking instructions and enjoy the flavorful and tender meat.

Q&A

What is carne adovada?

Carne adovada is a traditional Mexican dish made with pork marinated in a mixture of red chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, and various spices.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?

Yes, you can use beef or chicken instead of pork to make carne adovada. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat you choose.

How long does it take to cook carne adovada in the oven?

The cooking time for carne adovada in the oven can vary, but on average, it takes about 2-3 hours to cook at a temperature of 325°F (163°C).

What can I serve with carne adovada?

Carne adovada can be served with various side dishes such as rice, beans, tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Can I make carne adovada ahead of time?

Yes, you can make carne adovada ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.