I’m a huge fan of authentic Mexican food, especially street tacos, but let’s be real: making carnitas the right way takes hours of slow-cooking that I just don’t have on a typical Tuesday night. I’m always on the hunt for a high-quality shortcut that doesn’t taste like one.
While walking through Costco, I spotted this package of Del Real Foods Carnitas. It looked promising, promising authentic flavor in just five minutes. I figured it was worth a shot to see if it could solve my weeknight taco cravings. I grabbed a package to see if it was any good and worth the price. Here is my honest review.
The Product Lowdown: What You Need to Know
Where to Find It: You can find the Del Real Carnitas in the refrigerated section at the Pembroke Pines, Florida Costco, usually near the other prepared meals and cheeses.
- Key Feature: This product is fully cooked. Your job is just to heat it up, which is a massive time-saver.
- Ingredients: For those wondering about the Del Real Carnitas ingredients, the list is refreshingly simple: Pork, Water, Lard, Seasoning (Salt, Maltodextrin, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate), Garlic Powder, Salt.
- Allergens: According to the packaging, it is Gluten-Free and has 0g of Trans Fat per serving.
Price & Value: Is It a Good Deal?
The 40 oz (2.5 lb) package of Del Real Carnitas costs $17.69 at the Pembroke Pines, Florida Costco. For over two pounds of fully cooked, seasoned pork, I think this is an excellent value. It’s easily enough meat for several meals, feeding a whole family for taco night or giving you leftovers for days. Considering the time and effort saved, the price is more than fair.
How to Cook Del Real Carnitas (And Get Them Crispy!)
A lot of people search for the official Del Real Carnitas cooking instructions. The package gives microwave instructions, but to get that authentic, crispy texture, you’ll want to use your stove.
Official Microwave Instructions:
- Place the pouch on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1.5 minutes.
- Rotate the pouch, puncture 2 small holes, and cover with a paper towel.
- Heat for an additional 3.5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
My Pro-Tip for Crispy Carnitas (Stovetop Method):
- Open the package and place the carnitas and their juices into a hot, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Break up the pork with a spoon and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the juices have mostly evaporated.
- Let the pork sit without stirring for 2-3 minutes, allowing the bottom to get brown and crispy. Stir and repeat until you have a perfect mix of tender and crispy bits. This is the secret to restaurant-quality carnitas at home!
Taste & Texture
So, is the carnitas pork good? Yes, it’s fantastic. The pork is incredibly tender and moist, with a texture similar to classic pulled pork it just falls apart with a fork. It’s savory and rich, with a clean, authentic pork flavor that isn’t masked by excessive seasoning. When you crisp it up on the stovetop, you get that perfect textural contrast between the juicy, tender meat and the crunchy, browned edges.
Easy Del Real Carnitas Recipes & Meal Ideas
The best part about this product is how versatile it is for quick Mexican meals. Here are a few ways I love to eat it:
- Classic Street Tacos: This is the go-to. I warm up some corn tortillas, pile on the crispy carnitas, and top with diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Simple and perfect.
- Carnitas Burrito Bowls: For an easy lunch, I’ll layer the carnitas over a bowl of rice and beans, and top it with salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
- Loaded Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the carnitas and shredded cheese, and bake until melted. Top with all your favorite nacho fixings.
Sometimes, if I have leftovers, I’ll use this pulled pork in other recipes too. It’s great for making carnitas enchiladas, topping a baked potato, or even mixing into a hearty soup for extra flavor.
Nutrition: Is Del Real Carnitas Healthy?
Let’s look at the Del Real Carnitas nutrition facts. A 3oz (85g) serving contains:
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 14g
- Protein: 20g
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
With zero carbs and 20 grams of protein, these carnitas are a great option for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet. However, they are high in fat and sodium, so while they’re not exactly “health food,” they can definitely fit into a balanced diet as a delicious, high-protein meal.
The Final Verdict & Rating
| Taste | Value | Convenience | Nutrition | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
The Del Real Carnitas from Costco are an absolute winner and a staple in my fridge. They deliver authentic Mexican flavor with virtually no effort. If you love pork carnitas but hate the work involved, this is the perfect product for you.
- Buy these if: You want a quick, delicious, and versatile protein for easy weeknight meals like tacos, bowls, or salads.
- Skip these if: You are on a strict low-fat or low-sodium diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Del Real Carnitas already cooked?
Yes, they are fully cooked. You just need to heat them up before serving.
What is the best way to make the carnitas crispy?
The best method is to pan-fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat after the initial heating, allowing the pork to brown and crisp up in its own juices.
Is this the same as pulled pork?
Carnitas is a specific type of Mexican pulled pork. It’s traditionally slow-cooked (often in lard) and then crisped up. So yes, it’s very similar but with its own unique, authentic flavor profile.
Can you freeze Del Real Carnitas?
Absolutely, While the package says to keep refrigerated, it freezes perfectly.
Is Del Real Carnitas keto-friendly?
Yes, with 0g of carbohydrates, it is a great option for a keto diet.