Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Pulled Pork)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
5 hrs 10 mins
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Total Time
5 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
323 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Description
This recipe starts with a pork shoulder or butt rubbed with salt, pepper, and dried oregano to build a savory base. The slow cooker method uses lime juice, orange juice, broth, diced onion, whole garlic cloves, and optional bay leaves to infuse the meat with balanced citrus and aromatic flavors. Cooking on low or high heat over several hours ensures the pork becomes tender enough to shred.
Once cooked, the pork is shredded and combined with some cooking juices for moisture. A final step broils the shredded meat, crisping the edges and adding a contrasting texture to the juicy interior. This creates a pulled pork well-suited for Mexican-style dishes.
The combination of citrus juices brightens the flavor, while the slow cooking allows seasoning to penetrate the pork. The method emphasizes a moist, tender result with a slight char from broiling that adds flavor complexity. Carnitas prepared this way can be used in tacos, burritos, or served alongside rice and beans.
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork roast pork butt or pork shoulder, boneless
- 3 tsp salt or 2 1/2 tsp table salt, fine sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper ground
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1 yellow onion diced, large
- 5 garlic cloves
- 4 Tbsp lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (from 2 oranges)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 bay leaf optional
Instructions
- Pat the pork dry with a paper towel. Combine salt, pepper and dried oregano and rub pork with the seasoning.
- In the slow cooker, add chopped onion, garlic cloves, broth, lime juice, orange juice, and bay leaves if using.
- Add the pork to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7-9 hours.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet. Shredded the pork with two forks and drizzle the top with 1/2 cup of the slow cooker juices.
- To get crispy edges, broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 323 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 323kcal | 16% |
| Carbs | 5g | |
| Protein | 52g | 104% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 143mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 993mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 948mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 42IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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