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Mexican

Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas is a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender, flavorful shredded pork that's perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. Slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic spices, this recipe delivers authentic, juicy carnitas with crispy edges for a delightful feast.

Prep time: 15 minCook time: 90 minTotal time: 105 minCalories: 350 kcal

Carnitas in Mexico.jpg by Tomascastelazo is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into large chunks
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 orange, juiced and zested
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Tortillas for serving

Instructions

  1. Season the pork shoulder chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork pieces until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker. Add chopped onion, garlic, orange juice and zest, lime juice, bay leaf, and chicken broth.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
  5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
  6. Optional: For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until edges are crispy.
  7. Serve hot with warm tortillas, garnished with chopped cilantro. Enjoy!