If you’re looking for a recipe that will blow your taste buds away, let me tell you about my absolute favorite: Pork Carnitas. I’ve made these tender, flavorful bites more times than I can count, and every single time, they disappear faster than a hotcake at a breakfast buffet! Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish has become a staple in my home. Trust me, once you try this savory citrus-infused pork, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last taco is devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Pork Carnitas Recipe
- Unbelievably Tender: Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork shoulder practically melts in your mouth.
- Flavor Explosion: A delightful blend of spices, citrus, and fresh herbs makes every bite a joy.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on a salad – the options are endless!
- Make Ahead: Cook it in advance and enjoy the flavors as they develop over time.
- Impressive Presentation: Your friends and family will be wowed by the crispy exterior paired with juicy meat.
The Secret to Perfect Pork Carnitas
So, what’s the magic behind these Pork Carnitas? It’s all about the slow cooking and the citrus! Using fresh orange juice not only adds sweetness but also helps to tenderize the pork, locking in all those incredible flavors. My insider tip? Sear the meat before you slow-cook it! This step creates a beautiful, crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender inside. Trust me, once you master this technique, you’ll be the star of every gathering.
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“These pork carnitas are the best I’ve ever had! The flavor is out of this world, and they’re so easy to make!” – Sarah J.
“I made this for Taco Tuesday, and everyone went crazy for it! I can’t believe how simple it was!” – Mark T.
“I’ve tried a lot of carnitas recipes, but this one is a total game-changer. I can’t recommend it enough!” – Emily L.
Creative Variations to Try
- Chipotle Pork Carnitas: Add chipotle peppers for a smoky kick.
- Mango Salsa Carnitas: Top with fresh mango salsa for a sweet twist.
- Garlic & Herb Infusion: Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for a fragrant flavor.
- Beer-Braised Carnitas: Substitute some of the liquid with your favorite beer for added depth.
Bonus tip: Try adding a splash of lime juice right before serving for an extra zesty burst!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder? While pork loin is leaner, it can dry out. Pork shoulder is best for juicy carnitas.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Just follow the same steps and cook on low for about 8 hours.
What’s the best way to reheat carnitas? Reheat in a skillet for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture. You’ll love it!
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze leftovers in portions for easy meals later on.
- Serve warm with your favorite tortillas and toppings for a fun taco night!
Perfect Occasions for Pork Carnitas
- Taco Tuesday – Elevate your weekly taco night!
- Family Gatherings – A crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
- Game Day Parties – Serve with chips and salsa for a winning dish.
- Casual Dinner Dates – Impress without the stress!
- Potlucks – Always a hit; your friends will be asking for the recipe.
The Complete Recipe
Now that I’ve got you all excited about making Pork Carnitas, let’s get to the fun part: the recipe!
Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Tip: Don’t skip the searing step! It creates a delicious crust that enhances the flavor.
Optional Add-Ins: You can also add bay leaves for an aromatic touch or jalapeños for heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Pork
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chunks with salt and pepper. Sear them in batches until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for flavor, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In your slow cooker, combine the seared pork, cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, onion, and chicken broth. Stir it all together to ensure the pork is well coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. You want the pork to be fork-tender and easy to shred.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
Once fully cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Place the shredded pork on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Crisp the Pork
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Spread the shredded pork in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over the top. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until crispy. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve the Pork Carnitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or lime wedges. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Nutrition Information: Approximately 300 calories per serving, depending on portion size and toppings.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! My go-to recipe for Pork Carnitas that has become a beloved favorite in my home. I can’t express enough how incredible this dish is, and I know you’ll feel the same once you give it a try. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress everyone with this show-stopping meal. You won’t regret it!
Pork Carnitas
-
Total Time:
8 hr 20 mins -
Yield:
8 servings
Discover the perfect blend of savory and citrus in these tender pork carnitas, ideal for flavorful tacos that burst with freshness and zest.
Ingredients
- • 4-5 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- • 1 tablespoon salt
- • 1 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1 tablespoon cumin
- • 1 tablespoon chili powder
- • 4 cloves garlic, minced
- • Juice of 2 oranges
- • Juice of 1 lime
- • 1 onion, quartered
- • 1 cup chicken broth
- • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Pork: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chunks with salt and pepper. Sear them in batches until browned on all sides.
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the seared pork, cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, onion, and chicken broth. Stir it all together.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Place the shredded pork on a baking sheet.
- Crisp the Pork: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Spread the shredded pork in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over the top. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve the Pork Carnitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hr
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Method: Oven
