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CarnitasvsLeg of pork

pork · Approximate equivalent

These cuts are approximate equivalents — similar in character but with meaningful differences in preparation or exact cut.

The leg is the leaner half of a traditional carnitas mix; used alone it needs more fat added to the pot.

Translation takeaway

These are related cuts, but not perfect swaps. Use the table below to judge how close your local option is before buying.

Open CarnitasOpen Leg of porkSee substitutes
Keep this comparisonSave Carnitas and Leg of pork together for shopping, cooking notes, and future reference.
Carnitas
Pork · Leg

Carnitas is a Mexican preparation of pork in which large pieces of pork — typically shoulder and leg — are slowly braised or simmered in lard or their own fat until tender, then…

HeadBladeArm ShoulderLoinLegRibsBellyHock
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Leg of pork
Pork · Leg

The pork leg is a large, lean, and muscular primal cut from the hind of the animal. Fresh it is roasted whole as a celebratory centerpiece. Cured and aged it becomes some of the…

HeadBladeArm ShoulderLoinLegRibsBellyHock
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Names by country

CountryCarnitasLeg of pork
🇺🇸United StatesCarnitasHam
🇬🇧United Kingdom—Leg of pork
🇫🇷France—Jambon
🇪🇸Spain—Jamón
🇦🇷Argentina—Jamón fresco
🇲🇽MexicoCarnitasPierna de cerdo
🇵🇹Portugal—Presunto
🇧🇷Brazil—Pernil
🇮🇹ItalyCarnitasCosciotto di maiale
🇩🇪GermanyCarnitasSchweinekeule

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