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Pork Carnitas Recipe Pork Carnitas Recipe

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Pork Carnitas Recipe

I love making pork carnitas! Slow-cooked pork shoulder, seasoned perfectly, then crisped up in a skillet. It's tender, flavorful, and perfect for tacos or burritos. Simple ingredients, amazing results!

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Pork Carnitas are a game-changer for any meal. Imagine tender, juicy pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection, then crisped up for that irresistible texture. The blend of orange juice, garlic, and cumin creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or just on its own, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook looking to impress. Let's get cooking!

Pork Carnitas Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs cut into chunks pork shoulder
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 large quartered onion
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
  3. In a Dutch oven, add the pork, garlic, orange juice, chicken broth, onion, and bay leaves.
  4. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then cover and transfer to the oven.
  5. Cook for about 3.5 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
  6. Remove the pork from the liquid and shred with two forks.
  7. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the shredded pork. Cook until the edges are crispy.
  8. Serve the carnitas in tacos, burritos, or bowls with your favorite toppings.

What You Will Need

What you will need to make pork carnitas

  • Pork shoulder: This cut has the perfect fat content for tender, juicy carnitas that shred easily and crisp up beautifully.

  • Ground cumin and oregano: These spices add earthy, aromatic flavors essential for authentic Mexican taste.

  • Minced garlic: Provides a robust, savory depth that enhances the overall flavor profile of the carnitas.

  • Orange juice: Adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that helps tenderize the pork while balancing the savory spices.

  • Chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist during cooking and infuses it with rich, savory flavors.

  • Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that complements the pork and other seasonings.

  • Bay leaves: Impart a subtle, herbal note that rounds out the flavor of the carnitas.

Tools and Instruments Needed

What tools/instruments will be needed to make Pork Carnitas Recipe

  • Dutch oven: Essential for slow-cooking pork, ensuring even heat distribution and tender meat.
  • Large skillet: Needed to crisp up the shredded pork, adding texture and flavor.
  • Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements of spices and seasonings are crucial for balanced flavors.
  • Tongs: Handy for turning and handling the pork chunks without losing juices.
  • Forks: Used to shred the cooked pork into bite-sized pieces.

Pork Carnitas Recipe

Delicious and tender pork carnitas perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 lbs Pork Shoulder cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tbsp Oregano
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Orange Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 large Onion quartered
  • 2 bay leaves Bay Leaves

Instructions: 

  • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
  • In a Dutch oven, add the pork, garlic, orange juice, chicken broth, onion, and bay leaves.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then cover and transfer to the oven.
  • Cook for about 3.5 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
  • Remove the pork from the liquid and shred with two forks.
  • Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the shredded pork. Cook until the edges are crispy.
  • Serve the carnitas in tacos, burritos, or bowls with your favorite toppings.

Notes:

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of lime juice before serving.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Keywords:

Keyword Carnitas, Pork, Tacos
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead Instructions

  1. Cook the pork as per the recipe.
  2. Shred the meat and let it cool completely.
  3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  4. Reheat in a skillet until crispy before serving.

Freezing Instructions

  1. After cooking and shredding, let the pork cool.
  2. Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  3. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  5. Reheat in a skillet until crispy before serving.

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of coca-cola to the pork carnitas while they cook. It helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ:
How long does it take to cook pork carnitas?
It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours in the oven.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Pork shoulder works best, but pork butt is a good alternative.
Do I need a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven is ideal, but any oven-safe pot with a lid will work.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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