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5.0 from 9 votes

Authentic Beer Braised Carnitas

It's very possible these are the best carnitas you'll ever have! This Beer Braised Carnitas recipe is full of authentic flavor and are super easy to make in the oven or the slow cooker. 

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 15 mins
Crisping Time
10 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 55 mins
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 474 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 3 to 5 pound boneless pork butt roast
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil divided use
  • 1  tablespoon  ground cumin
  • 1 1/2  teaspoons  chili powder
  • 1  teaspoon  cayenne pepper
  • 1  teaspoon  garlic powder
  • 1/2  teaspoon  ground cloves
  • 1 1/2  teaspoon  salt
  • 12 ounces Mexican beer
  • 1 large orange sliced

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Trim roast and slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Preheat a large dutch oven or oven safe pot over high heat. Add in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and sear meat, 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Combine spices and sprinkle over pork. Pour beer over meat and spices. Top with orange slices.
  3. Braise in the 350 degree oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the meat can easily be shredded with a fork. Remove orange slices. Shred meat.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Work in 3 batches and use tongs to place the meat into the oil and saute until crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add in more oil for each batch. Serve hot.

Notes

  • TO CRISP IN THE OVEN: Spread shredded carnitas out onto a baking sheet in an even layer. Drizzle with oil and place under the broiler setting in your oven for 3 - 5 minutes until crisp. 
  • SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS: To make this recipe in a slow cooker, sear the meat and add in spices in step one and then transfer to a slow cooker. Alternately, you can simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker without searing if you are short on time. Add in beer and orange slices and cook on low 8 hours or high for 5 to 6 hours.

Nutrition Information

Calories 474kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 54g (108%) Fat 23g (35%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Cholesterol 170mg (57%) Sodium 563mg (23%) Potassium 1072mg (31%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 590IU (12%) Vitamin C 9.3mg (10%) Calcium 70mg (7%) Iron 4.9mg (27%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 474

% Daily Value*

Calories 474kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 54g 108%
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 170mg 57%
Sodium 563mg 23%
Potassium 1072mg 23%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 590IU 12%
Vitamin C 9.3mg 10%
Calcium 70mg 7%
Iron 4.9mg 27%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.