Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas
I tested a Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas recipe which resulted in succulent morsels of meat with crispy edges and rave reviews from my family! Flavored with subtle orange and lime undertones along with oregano, bay, and cumin, this combination makes an unforgettable pork recipe.
This Mexican Pulled Pork Recipe is delicious comfort food that’s equally as welcome for a family dinner as for company! Everyone loves this dish!
Why You Must Make
It’s hard to be an expert on a recipe you’re making for the first time, especially when you’ve never even tasted the dish. But traditional pork carnitas have been on my bucket list for a while, and this recipe did not disappoint.
- Cooked in their own fat, these tender morsels of seasoned pork developed delightfully crispy edges.
- Made with the cut of pork I prefer for my pulled pork, these slow cooked carnitas get ridiculously tendr and are amazing served as tacos.
- First cooked in a Dutch oven, then shredded and broiled to get browned, it’s impossible to resist this tender and crispy pork carnitas recipe!
Rolled into tortillas with your favorite toppings, this pork was transformed into the perfect summer fare.
Tips for Making Pork Carnitas
My inspiration was a Cook’s Illustrated pork carnitas recipe which called for slow cooking the pork in water infused with lime and orange juice along with oregano, cumin, and onion. When fork tender, these pork pieces were tossed in a reduction of the fat-laden (AKA extremely flavorful) juices, then broiled to get the classic crispy chunks of meat.
The word carnitas translates to “little meats” in Spanish. This Mexican dish originated in the state of Michoacán and is made by simmering pork in oil or lard, with the latter preferred.
- Traditional Mexican pork carnitas are cooked in lard, but this healthier recipe is cooked in its own fat.
- The flavors of orange, lime, onion, oregano, cumin, and bay help make up for the lack of lard. And it only takes minutes to throw together. Park it in a covered Dutch oven, slide it into the oven, and relax as it cooks away!
- Use a pork shoulder or pork butt for this recipe. It will be fall-apart tender after being slow-cooked and will shred like a dream.
- Once shredded, the succulent pork is broiled and its own fat helps make crispy pieces without using lard!
- Serve this pork carnitas recipe with either corn or flour tortillas and all your favorite taco garnishes. You’ll go back for seconds, then thirds. Thinly sliced radishes are a classic accompaniment, but any of your favorite taco fixins will do.
My crew went with queso fresco (though Bill looked at it a bit suspiciously at first as he’s more of a cheddar guy) and salsa fresca while I piled on a little of everything. These slow-cooked pork carnitas were outstanding, trust me. The BEST entree I’ve made in ages!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Carnitas is the Mexican word for “little meats.” Traditionally, carnitas are small pieces of fried pork. They start with an inexpensive cut of pork which is first simmered in a bit of water, then fried in pork fat until well browned.
Carnitas are served with salsa plus also can be the filling for tacos and burritos.
Look for a pork shoulder AKA pork butt to make your carnitas. This cut is well-marbled and the higher fat content is ideal for a long braising time. The fat melts away as the pork cooks, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Yes, these authentic pork carnitas can be made in an Instant Pot or even in a Dutch oven in a traditional oven. Just cook until the meat is fall-apart tender, then broil as the recipe directs.
Go with a Tex- Mex menu which can include Beer Margaritas or Peach Margaritas, Guacamole and chips, Spanish Rice, Spicy Mexican Corn Salad, Mini Margarita Cheesecakes or Tres Leches Cake.
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Pork Carnitas
Succulent slow cooked pork crisped up in the broiled before serving
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 pounds boneless pork butt roast/pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 cups water
- 1 small onion, peeled and halved
- Juice of one lime
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 orange, cut in half
- Salt and pepper
- For serving: See list in notes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300º.
- Place the pork chunks into a Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover the pork and then add onion, garlic, lime juice, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and the juice from the orange along with the orange rinds.
- Stir, then bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Cover the pot and transfer to the lower middle rack of the oven. Cook for about 2-2½ hours or until the pork is fork tender.
- Remove the orange rinds, onion, and bay leaves. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over the sheet.
- With a slotted spoon, remove the meat to a bowl. When cool enough to handle, break meat pieces in half, removing any excess fat. Set aside.
- Place Dutch oven over high heat and cook for about 15 minutes, till the juices are reduced to about a cup, stirring frequently. Pour the sauce over the meat, season with salt and pepper, mix to combine, then spread over a wire rack.
- Turn oven to broil and place pan on the lower-middle rack. Broil till meat is brown and crispy, about 5-8 minutes, then flip and broil the other side.
- Serve while hot in tortillas with garnishes of your choice.
Notes
For serving: corn or flour tortillas, queso fresco, pico de gallo, guacamole, sliced avocado, minced red onion, sprigs of cilantro, fresh lime wedges, sliced radishes, sour cream.
Adapted from Cook's Illustrated
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 979Total Fat: 67gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 36gCholesterol: 263mgSodium: 502mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 73g
56 Comments on “Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas”
Great recipe. This is a good idea for summer!
The meat looks so tender and flavourful. I am saving this to try!
One of my favorite meats! Makes the best tacos.
My favorite recipe for carnitas!
Great recipe! We just love carnitas! Wish I had some right now!
YUM!!! So full of flavor and that meat looks so juicy.
I love carnitas! These look so good and easy to make. I can’t wait to make them for dinner next week.
I get carnitas at the local fair every year and look forward to them. but they have been on my cooking bucket list too. Yours sound delicious, Liz.
Yum! Love this, Lizzy. Hope you’re having a great week.
Lizzy,
I’ve never had carnitas either. You did a great job and I’ve already pinned.
Annamaria
Now this is carnitas done right! Gotta have a little orange and I do love the addition of the lime. These look positively delicious!
For the first time out of the gate making carintas… you won a blue ribbon!! Then again… you do everything wonderfully. 🙂
Love these. And they sound easy to make too. Thanks for the idea.
We’re having a party at Tumbleweed Contessa and I’d love it if you brought these over.
http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/whatd-you-do-this-weekend-16/
Wishes for Tasty Dishes,
Linda
I am much fonder of pork than beef, so this dish would definitely make me happy.
We love making tacos in our house. This dish looks and sounds delicious! And always a good recipe for during the week. Thanks!
Dame, dame, dame de esas carnitas (Give me, give me, give me these carnitas). This is a great dish per se and wrapped in a tortilla with cheese and sour cream is even better. Eating it would put a happy smile on on face!!!