Pork Carnitas Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
8 hrs
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Total Time
8 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
297 kcal
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Cuisine
Mexican
Pork Carnitas Recipe
Description
The Pork Carnitas Recipe starts by rubbing a mix of paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and optional chili flakes onto pork shoulder or butt. The pork cooks slowly either simmered on the stovetop or in the oven alongside orange and lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and bay leaves until tender enough to shred.
Once cooked and shredded, the cooking liquid is reduced to concentrate flavor, the meat is tossed with oil, then broiled in the oven to develop crispy edges. Pouring the reduced sauce over the crispy pork before serving enhances moisture and flavor complexity. The carnitas offer a mix of tender, juicy pork with crunchy bits.
This dish works well for tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans. The combination of citrus juices and spices creates a bright, aromatic profile characteristic of carnitas.
Ingredients
The Spice Rub
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- chili flakes if you like it a little spicy, optional
The Pork Carnitas
- 2 ½ lb pork butt or pork shoulder
- orange juice from 2 oranges
- lime juice juice from 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon honey omit for sugar-free
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Instructions
- Mix the spice rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Evenly coat all sides of the pork with the spice rub.
- Add the orange juice, lime juice, honey (if using), garlic, and bay leaves to your pot. Stir then set the pork on top.
- Choose which method you will cook the pork carnitas and follow those directions.
- When the pork is very tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using 2 forks. Turn your oven to broil.
- Pour the cooking juices into a pot and boil for 10 minutes, or until it is reduced to about ½ cup.
- Place the shredded pork on a large, rimmed baking sheet, drizzle it with the avocado oil, and put it on the top rack in your oven. Let it broil for 10 minutes then mix the pork around and broil for 10 minutes more.
- Pour the reduced cooking liquid over the pork and toss to coat.
Stovetop cooking method
- Bring the pot to a boil then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Simmer very gently for 5-6 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
Oven cooking method
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the pot and put it in your oven for 7-8 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
Notes
- A slow cooker can be used as an alternative for preparing pork carnitas.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 serving = ⅙ of the recipe | |
| Calories | 297kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 113mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 899mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 707mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 49IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 36mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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