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Carnitas

Carnitas
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This crispy Carnitas recipe offers a perfect balance of tender, juicy pork shoulder with irresistibly crispy, caramelized edges. Ideal for tacos, burritos, nachos, or enjoyed on its own, this authentic Mexican dish uses simple pantry staples and fresh aromatics to create rich, flavorful pork that can be made ahead and stored without losing texture or flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or pork lard (for crisping)

Optional Variations & Additions

  • 1–2 jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo (for spicy kick)
  • Substitute pineapple juice for orange juice (for citrus twist)
  • Fresh cilantro or epazote, chopped (for herb flavor)
  • Pork loin instead of shoulder (for a leaner option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into large chunks to ensure even cooking and better seasoning penetration.
  2. Season and Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, orange juice, chopped onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Slow Cook the Meat: Transfer the pork and marinade into a slow cooker or heavy pot. Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Shred the Pork: Remove the cooked pork from the cooker. Discard bay leaves and excess fat. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Crisp the Carnitas: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil or pork lard and spread the shredded pork in a single layer. Let it fry without stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Toss the pork to crisp the other sides for even caramelization and crunch.

Notes

  • Slow cooking the pork low and slow ensures tender meat that pulls apart easily.
  • Do not skip marinating; citrus and spices intensify the flavor.
  • Use pork lard or vegetable oil to achieve an authentic crispy finish.
  • Shred the meat while still warm for the best texture.
  • When crisping, do not overcrowd the pan — crisp the pork in batches if needed for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Carnitas, crispy pork, Mexican recipe, slow cooked pork, pork shoulder, tacos, burritos, authentic Mexican, meal prep

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/carnitas/