Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Calories
188 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas
Description
The pork shoulder is cooked slowly in a covered pot with acidic citrus juices and smoky chipotle salsa, allowing the meat to become tender and infused with nuanced flavors. After two hours of simmering, the lid is removed to reduce the cooking liquid and render fat, encouraging the pork to brown and crisp in spots. This process highlights the pork's natural richness complemented by the citrus and chile elements.
The resulting carnitas can be served immediately or stored for several days, making them versatile for various uses like tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or as a main protein. The recipe encourages pairing with toppings such as pico de gallo, guacamole, chopped onions, cilantro, and shredded cheese alongside charred tortillas for a traditional presentation.
The pork can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days, allowing for easy meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder cut into 2 inch cubes, boneless
- ½ cup orange juice fresh
- ¼ cup lime juice fresh
- 10 oz chipotle salsa
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
For Serving
- Pico de Gallo
- guacamole
- tortilla charred
- onion chopped
- cilantro chopped
- cheese freshly shredded
Instructions
- Place the pork in a large dutch oven with the orange juice, lime juice, salsa and salt. Add enough water to barely cover the meat. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low and simmer with the lid on for 2 hours, at which point the pork should be falling apart to the touch.
- Turn the heat up to medium high, and continue to cook the pork for 45 minutes, uncovered, stirring every once in a while, until all the liquid has evaporated and the pork fat as been rendered.
- Parts of the pork should be caramelized and golden brown. Remove the dutch oven from the stove and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or let cool and store in an airtight container for 4 days in the fridge
Notes
- These pork carnitas are versatile and suitable for tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or other dishes requiring shredded pork.
- Cooked pork can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 188 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 188kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 492mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 619mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 164IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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