Carnitas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
5 hrs
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Total Time
5 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
230 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Carnitas
Description
The Carnitas recipe uses a 4-5 pound pork shoulder trimmed of excess fat and rubbed with a blend of chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The seasoned pork is cooked in a slow cooker along with minced garlic, chopped onions, and fresh orange and lime juices. Slow cooking on low heat for 7-8 hours results in tender, easily shredded meat.
The shredded pork can be eaten immediately or spread on a baking sheet and broiled briefly to achieve crisp edges, enhancing its texture and flavor. The bright notes from citrus juices contrast with the warm spices, creating a classic Carnitas flavor profile. This dish is typically served warm inside corn tortillas, garnished with salsa or pico de gallo and fresh cilantro. It pairs nicely with sides like Mexican rice and refried beans, making it a wholesome meal.
Leftover Carnitas keep well refrigerated and reheat nicely, maintaining their tenderness and taste.
Ingredients
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons cumin ground
- 3 teaspoons oregano dried
- 2-3 teaspoons salt or more, to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper freshly ground
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 onion roughly chopped
- orange juice from 2 large oranges
- lime juice juice from 2 limes
Instructions
- Trim and discard excess fat from the pork.
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Generously season the pork on all sides.
- Add the seasoned pork to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add garlic, chopped onions, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Remove pork from the slow cooker, shred the meat. Taste and add more seasonings and salt and pepper, if needed.
- At this point you can eat the pork as is, or for a more authentic taste, place the meat on a baking sheet and broil it for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- For tacos, serve warm inside warm corn tortillas topped with salsa or pico and cilantro. Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
Notes
- Store leftover Carnitas in the refrigerator for up to several days for easy meals later.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 230 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 230kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 723mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 589mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 629IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 58mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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