17 Sensational Sides to Pair with Succulent Pork Carnitas

With its crispy, caramelized edges and melt-in-your-mouth tender meat, pork carnitas makes for an incredible entrée. But what sides should you serve to complement those succulent, Mexican-spiced carnitas?

The options are endless, but certain sides can truly bring out the flavors of the pork and round out your meal. Here are 17 sensational recipes for veggies, grains, beans and more that perfectly pair with pork carnitas.

Cooling Fresh Produce

• Cilantro Lime Coleslaw – Give your carnitas a refreshing lift with this vibrant slaw mixing crisp cabbage, carrots, cilantro and a tart lime dressing. Its cool crunchiness balances the pork.

• Jicama and Mango Salad – For a sweet and crunchy side toss julienned jicama and juicy mango chunks with a honey-lime vinaigrette. Their tropical flavors contrast the pork wonderfully.

• Watermelon Feta Salad – This unique blend of fresh watermelon, salty feta cheese, mint and balsamic makes a light, fruity pairing for carnitas

Hot Sides Bringing Heat

• Mexican Street Corn – Also called elote, this grilled corn on the cob coated in spicy mayo, cheese and chili powder makes a fantastic carnitas side.

• Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers – For an indulgent spicy side, wrap jalapeños with a cream cheese filling in bacon and bake until the bacon crisps. Their gooey-crisp texture pairs perfectly.

• Loaded Nachos – Pile tortilla chips high with refried beans, carnitas, salsa, guacamole, cheese and more for an incredible shareable side.

Satisfying Starch-Based Dishes

• Cilantro Lime Rice – This vibrant rice seasoned with cilantro and lime adds a burst of fresh flavor next to carnitas. It also absorbs any sauces deliciously.

• Homemade Flour Tortillas – Warm, fresh flour tortillas are perfect for making carnitas tacos or burritos. Their soft texture contrasts the crispy pork wonderfully.

• Mexican Cornbread – Bake up this sweet and slightly spicy cornbread made with cornmeal, chiles and cheese for a perfect carnitas pairing.

Protein-Packed Beans & Legumes

• Frijoles Charros – Also called cowboy beans, this hearty side of pinto beans simmered with bacon, chiles and beer offers incredible smoky, spicy flavor.

• Quick Refried Beans – It doesn’t get more classic than refried pinto beans, with their creamy, rich texture and subtle earthiness. They complement carnitas perfectly.

• Black Bean & Corn Salad – Toss zesty black beans and sweet corn with lime, cilantro and jalapeño for a protein-packed carnitas side.

Indulgent Vegetable Dishes

• Mexican Cauliflower Rice – For a low carb option, pulse cauliflower into “rice” and sauté it with onions, garlic, and Mexican spices for an easy side.

• Cheesy Skillet Corn – The combination of sweet corn, gooey cheese, crispy bacon and spice makes this skillet corn an irresistible carnitas pairing.

• Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole – This sweet and savory casserole of mashed sweet potatoes, cheese, pecans and marshmallows delights next to carnitas.

With sides ranging from cool and crunchy salads to hot, cheesy classics, you’re sure to find the perfect recipes to complement your succulent pork carnitas. Follow your cravings and create a vibrant, flavorful fiesta!