Carnitas

Carnitas is a classic Mexican dish made with tender, flavorful pork that’s slowly cooked until it’s juicy and then crisped up in the oven or on the stovetop. The result is crispy, caramelized pork with a deliciously rich flavor, perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for nachos.
Prep Time : 20 min
Cook Time : 20 min
Rest Time : 3hr
Total Time : 3hr 40 min
Yield: 1
Servings : 6
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Ingredients

For the Carnitas:

  • 3-4 lbs (1.4-1.8 kg) pork shoulder (also called pork butt), cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (optional, for added tanginess)

For Serving:

  • Warm tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa or hot sauce

Direction

  • Prepare the Pork:

    1. Season: In a large bowl, season the pork chunks with salt and pepper.
    2. Brown: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks in batches, browning on all sides. Transfer the browned pork to a plate and set aside.
  • Cook the Carnitas:

    1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
    2. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the orange juice, chicken broth, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
    3. Simmer: Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork. You can also cook this in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Crisp the Carnitas:

    1. Shred Pork: Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
    2. Reduce Liquid: Increase the heat to medium-high and continue to cook the remaining liquid until it is reduced and thickened.
    3. Crisp Up: In a separate large skillet or under the broiler, heat a little oil and add the shredded pork. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is crispy and caramelized, about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven, tossing occasionally, until crispy.
  • Serve:

    1. Assemble: Serve the crispy carnitas in warm tortillas with your choice of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
    2. Garnish: Add salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.

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