Carnitas

Introduction

Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish made with tender, slow-cooked pork that is crisped up to perfection. The name “carnitas” translates to “little meats,” and the dish is typically made by braising or simmering pork in lard or its own fat, resulting in a juicy, flavorful filling that can be used in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish. The combination of slow cooking and crispy bits makes carnitas irresistible, with a rich, savory flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

I remember the first time I made carnitas at home, the kitchen filled with the irresistible smell of slow-cooked pork, and everyone eagerly gathered around the table. The beauty of carnitas lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the pork to absorb all the flavors and become melt-in-your-mouth tender. After it’s cooked low and slow, the pork is crisped up in a hot pan, creating a perfect contrast of textures that everyone loves.

What’s great about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use it for tacos, burritos, or simply serve it with rice and beans. The juicy, crispy pork pairs perfectly with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, carnitas are sure to impress and satisfy with their rich, savory flavor and deliciously crispy texture.

Perfect for:

• Taco nights
• Family gatherings
• Meal prep
• Mexican-themed parties
• Pork lovers

Why You’ll Love This Carnitas

Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

• Tender and Flavorful: Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork becomes incredibly tender and full of flavor, absorbing the spices and seasonings as it cooks.
• Crispy Edges: After the braising, the pork is seared in its own fat to create crispy edges that add an irresistible texture to the dish.
• Versatile: Use carnitas in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or as a filling for sandwiches and bowls. It’s perfect for any meal!
• Simple to Make: Despite its rich flavors, the recipe requires minimal effort, with the slow cooking doing most of the work for you.
• Great for Meal Prep: Carnitas can be made in large batches and stored for later use, making it a convenient option for busy weeks.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-5 hours (depending on cooking method)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours (for slow cooking or braising)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 2g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or lard)
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1-2 oranges (juiced, plus 2 orange halves for added flavor)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Pork Shoulder: This cut of pork is ideal for carnitas due to its marbling, which results in tender, juicy meat when slow-cooked.
• Citrus: The orange juice adds a tangy, bright flavor that balances the richness of the pork, while the orange halves help to infuse more citrusy flavor during cooking.
• Spices: Cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano give the carnitas its signature savory and mildly spicy flavor profile.
• Broth: Chicken broth adds depth and richness to the cooking liquid, ensuring that the pork is flavorful and tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Slow Cook the Pork:

1. Prepare the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. If using a bone-in shoulder, leave the bone in for additional flavor. Cut the pork into large chunks to ensure even cooking.
2. Brown the Pork: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil (or lard) over medium-high heat. Sear the pork pieces until browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
3. Add Aromatics: In the same pot, add the quartered onion and smashed garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
4. Season the Pork: Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and bay leaves. Stir to coat the pork and aromatics with the spices.
5. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and fresh orange juice. Squeeze in the juice from the two orange halves, then drop them into the pot for added flavor.
6. Slow Cook: Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds with a fork. Alternatively, you can cook the pork in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Crisp the Carnitas:

7. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any bones and excess fat.
8. Crisp the recipe To achieve crispy bits, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little bit of the pork’s cooking liquid, then add the shredded pork in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until it crisps up. Stir and continue to crisp the pork until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Repeat with any remaining pork.
9. Serve: Remove from the heat and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the carnitas in tacos, burritos, or on their own with your favorite sides.

How to Serve Carnitas

Recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Tacos: Serve carnitas in soft corn or flour tortillas with toppings like cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.
• Burritos: Use carnitas as the main filling in burritos along with rice, beans, salsa, and avocado.
• Enchiladas: Fill enchiladas with carnitas and smother them in a rich red or green sauce for a hearty meal.
• Rice Bowls: Layer carnitas over a bed of rice, adding beans, salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese for a satisfying bowl.
• Sandwiches: Use carnitas in sandwiches or sliders, topped with pickled onions, jalapeños, or a creamy slaw.

Additional Tips for Carnitas

Here are some helpful tips for making perfect recipe:

• Use Lard for Authenticity: For the most traditional flavor, use lard instead of vegetable oil to brown the pork and cook the carnitas. It adds a rich, savory depth to the dish.
• Slow and Low: The secret to tender carnitas is slow cooking. Make sure the pork is simmered on low heat for several hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Don’t Skip the Crisping Step: For that signature carnitas texture, make sure to crisp the shredded pork in a skillet before serving. This step adds flavor and texture contrast to the dish.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and other spices to your taste preferences. You can make the carnitas milder or spicier by tweaking the seasoning.
• Cook in Advance: Carnitas can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Serve with Fresh Salsa: Carnitas pairs beautifully with fresh salsas like pico de gallo or salsa verde, which add a burst of fresh flavor to balance the richness of the pork.

Recipe Variations for Carnitas

Here are 10 variations you can try for recipe:

• Spicy Carnitas: Add sliced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
• Pineapple Carnitas: Add chunks of pineapple to the slow cooker for a sweet and savory combination.
• Beer-Braised Carnitas: Use beer instead of chicken broth for the braising liquid for a rich, malty flavor.
• Citrus Carnitas: Add lime juice and zest along with the orange juice for an even more citrus-forward carnitas.
• Smoky Carnitas: Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder to add a smoky flavor to the carnitas.
• Coconut Carnitas: Add coconut milk to the braising liquid for a tropical twist and extra creaminess.
• Crispy Carnitas Nachos: Layer crispy carnitas on top of tortilla chips, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings for a decadent snack.
• Carnitas Sliders: Serve the carnitas on slider buns with a tangy coleslaw for a fun and tasty appetizer.
• Vegetarian Carnitas: Use jackfruit as a vegetarian substitute for the pork to create a plant-based version of carnitas.
• Cranberry Carnitas: Add fresh or dried cranberries to the slow cooker for a slightly sweet and tart twist.

Freezing and Storage for Carnitas

• Freezing: Carnitas freezes exceptionally well. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat by simmering with a little broth or water until heated through.
• Storage: Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of the cooking liquid or in the microwave.

Special Equipment for Carnitas

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your recipe easier:

• Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for slow-cooking the pork to tender perfection.
• Slow Cooker: For an easy, hands-off way to cook the pork low and slow.
• Skillet: For crisping the carnitas to create that irresistible texture.
• Tongs or Forks: To shred the pork after cooking.
• Juicer: To extract fresh juice from oranges and lime if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions for Carnitas

1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
   Yes, you can use pork loin or pork butt as alternatives to pork shoulder, but pork shoulder is the best for tender, juicy carnitas.
2. Can I make carnitas in the Instant Pot?
   Yes, you can cook the pork in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, then use the sauté function to crisp the meat.
3. Can I make carnitas without lard?
   Yes, you can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or chicken broth instead of lard if you prefer a lighter option.
4. How do I know when the pork is ready to shred?
   The pork is ready when it is fork-tender and easily shreds when pulled apart. You should be able to separate the meat with little effort.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Print

Conclusion

Carnitas is a mouthwatering dish that brings together savory, tender pork and crispy edges for an unforgettable meal. This flavorful recipe is incredibly versatile—whether you’re filling tacos, burritos, or serving it over rice, it’s sure to impress. The slow-cooked pork soaks up all the delicious spices, along with a touch of citrus, creating a juicy and aromatic base. The crispy bits on the edges add a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts with the tender meat.

With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate this Mexican classic right in your own kitchen. Carnitas is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a festive gathering. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and will likely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

I’d love to see how your Carnitas turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!