Pork Carnitas Recipe: Tender, Crispy, and Perfectly Delicious
Pork carnitas, a traditional Mexican-style pulled pork, is beloved for its tender, juicy meat with deliciously crispy edges. This versatile dish works well in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even on its own with sides. The recipe’s magic lies in slow-cooking the pork to make it juicy and tender, then giving it a quick sear to achieve that signature crunch. With a few fresh ingredients and an easy preparation, this authentic pork carnitas recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.
Let’s walk through how you can create this delicious recipe in no time!
1.Why You’ll Love Pork Carnitas
Pork carnitas is a fantastic dish with a balance of juicy, tender meat and crispy edges, which adds satisfying texture. Slow-cooking the pork in citrus and spices brings out rich flavors, while the final sear makes it the ideal filling for tacos and burritos. Beyond its delicious taste, pork carnitas is also highly versatile and can be made ahead, allowing you to enjoy it anytime you need a quick, flavorful meal.
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-Ingredients for Pork Carnitas
This recipe uses a few essential ingredients to highlight the natural flavor of the pork while infusing it with authentic Mexican flavors.
– Main Ingredients:
- Pork Shoulder (or Pork Butt) – 4 lbs, cut into large chunks
- Lard or Vegetable Oil – 2 tablespoons (for added flavor and crispiness)
- Orange Juice – 1 cup (for subtle sweetness and tenderizing)
- Lime Juice – 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed
- Onion – 1 large, quartered
- Garlic – 5 cloves, peeled
- Bay Leaves – 2
- Salt and Black Pepper – To taste
- Oregano – 1 teaspoon, dried
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh Cilantro – Chopped
- Lime Wedges – For serving
- Sliced Onion – For extra crunch and flavor
2.Step-by-Step Guide to Making Authentic Pork Carnitas
Step 1: Season the Pork
In a large bowl, generously season the pork chunks with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and cumin. Toss well to ensure each piece is coated evenly, which will infuse the pork with flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Pork
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the lard or oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chunks in batches, browning each piece on all sides to add rich flavor to the carnitas. Once browned, return all pork to the pot and add the orange juice, lime juice, quartered onion, garlic cloves, and bay leaves.
Step 3: Slow-Cook the Pork
Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the pork simmer for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The pork is ready when it’s tender and easily falls apart when shredded with a fork. If necessary, add a small amount of water to keep the pot moist and prevent sticking.
Step 4: Crisp the Carnitas
Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil, and cook the shredded pork in batches until the edges become crispy and caramelized. This final step gives carnitas its signature crispy texture.
Step 5 : Serve and Garnish
Transfer the crispy carnitas to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and sliced onions for a complete carnitas experience.
3.Tips for the Best Pork Carnitas
Choose the Right Cut
- Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal for carnitas as the fat content helps keep the meat tender and flavorful throughout the slow-cooking process.
Slow Cooking is Key
- The slow, gentle cooking ensures that the pork becomes juicy and easy to shred. Don’t rush this step for the best results!
Finish with a Sear
- Crisping the pork after shredding is essential for the perfect texture. This step brings out the classic, mouth-watering combination of tender and crispy.
4.Serving Suggestions for Pork Carnitas
In Tacos
- Serve pork carnitas in warm corn tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Adding salsa or guacamole will enhance the flavor.
With Rice and Beans
- For a complete meal, serve carnitas with Mexican rice, black beans, and a side of pico de gallo or fresh salsa.
In Burrito Bowls
- Layer pork carnitas over rice with toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for a flavorful burrito bowl.
5.Nutritional Benefits of Pork Carnitas
- High in Protein: Pork carnitas is a great source of protein, essential for muscle health and energy.
- Rich in Iron and Zinc: These minerals support immune health, blood flow, and metabolism.
- Good Source of B Vitamins: Particularly B6 and B12, which support brain function and red blood cell production.
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F.A.Q.
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Yes! To make pork carnitas in a slow cooker, season and brown the pork as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker with orange juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, shred, and crisp in a skillet.
Pork carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes well for up to three months. To reheat, warm in a skillet to keep it crispy.
Vegetable oil or olive oil works well as an alternative. However, lard adds a traditional richness and flavor that’s hard to beat.
Yes, though orange juice adds a hint of sweetness and acidity that helps tenderize the pork. If you don’t have it, substitute with apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice.
Reheat carnitas in a hot skillet to restore the crispy edges. You can also use the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.
Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
