Carnitas Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
9 hrs
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Total Time
9 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
225 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Carnitas Recipe
Description
The Carnitas Recipe starts by preparing a dry rub with oregano, cumin, and olive oil. The pork butt is patted dry and seasoned with garlic salt and black pepper, then coated with the prepared rub. It is placed fat side up in a slow cooker along with minced garlic, chopped onion, and deseeded jalapeno pepper. Orange and lime juice are added for acidity and flavor. The pork cooks slowly on high heat for 6 hours or low heat for 9 to 10 hours until tender.
The slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissues, yielding moist, easily shredded pork with a flavorful crust from the seasonings. The citrus juices infuse a subtle tang that balances the richness of the meat and spices. After cooking, the pork should rest for 20 minutes before shredding, discarding large fat pieces for a leaner result.
Carnitas are commonly used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans. The tender shredded pork holds seasoning well and can be doubled as leftovers or used in other Mexican-style dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork butt bonless, skinless
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt with parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper deseeded, chopped
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
Rub Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Combine rub ingredients in a small bowl and sit aside.
- Dry pork butt and rub garlic salt and pepper all over it. Put rub ingredients on pork butt and place in a slow cooker, with the fat side up.
- Add minced garlic, onion, and jalapeno. Top with lime and orange juices.
- Cook on HIGH for 6 hours or LOW for 9-10 hours.
- Let cool for 20 minutes before shredding making sure to discard any big chunks of fat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 225 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 225kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 488mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 571mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 47IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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