How to Make Delicious Carnitas Pork

Are you a fan of Mexican cuisine? Do you love the juicy and flavorful carnitas pork dish? Well, you don’t need to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy this delicious meal! In fact, you can easily make it at home using a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. Here’s how!

First, let’s start with the most important ingredient – the pork. Choose a cut with plenty of fat, as this will ensure the meat stays moist and tender during cooking. Some good options include pork shoulder, butt, or belly. Cut the meat into large chunks and season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices that you like. Then, heat some oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven, and sear the pork until it’s browned and crispy on all sides. This will give it a nice caramelized flavor.

How to Make Carnitas Pork

Carnitas pork is a traditional Mexican dish that is loved by many. It is a versatile dish that can be used in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or as a topping for rice bowls. The dish is made by slow-cooking pork in its own juices until it becomes tender and juicy. The result is a flavorful and succulent meat that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will show you how to make carnitas pork at home.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let us look at the ingredients needed to make carnitas pork.

– 3 lbs. pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 6 cloves garlic minced
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 3 tablespoons oil
– 2 cups water
– 2 limes, cut into wedges
– Cilantro for garnishing

Step 1: Preparing the Pork

To make carnitas pork, start by preparing the pork. Cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl. Season the pork pieces with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Searing the Pork

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork pieces to the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Pork

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they turn golden brown. Add 2 cups of water to the skillet and bring to a boil. Add the seared pork pieces to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pork from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Step 4: Shredding the Pork

After 2 hours, remove the lid from the skillet and check if the pork is tender. Use a fork to shred the pork pieces until they are in bite-size pieces.

Step 5: Crisping the Pork

In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown.

Step 6: Adding Seasonings

Once the carnitas pork is crispy, turn off the heat and add your favorite seasonings. You can add cumin, paprika, chili powder, or any other seasonings of your choice.

Step 7: Garnishing

Transfer the carnitas pork to a serving platter and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Step 8: Serving

Serve the carnitas pork with your favorite toppings such as avocado, tomatoes, cheese, or sour cream. You can also serve it with tortilla chips, rice, or beans.

Step 9: Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pork in a skillet over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it is heated through.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Now that you know how to make carnitas pork, it is time to enjoy your delicious meal. This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests. Whether you use it in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or as a topping for rice bowls, carnitas pork is a delicious and satisfying meal that you will love.

The Ingredients You Need

Making carnitas pork at home is a fairly simple and straightforward process, but it all begins with ensuring that you have the right ingredients. Here are the basic ingredients that you will need to make delicious carnitas pork:

1. Pork Shoulder:

Carnitas pork is traditionally made with pork shoulder, and you will need around 4-5 pounds of it for this recipe. You can also use pork butt or pork belly if you prefer.

2. Orange Juice:

Freshly squeezed orange juice is a key ingredient in the recipe. It adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory pork.

3. Garlic:

Fresh garlic is a must-have in carnitas pork. It provides a deep, rich flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

4. Cumin:

Ground cumin is one of the most common spices used in carnitas pork. It adds a smoky, earthy flavor to the dish that is a hallmark of Mexican cuisine.

5. Oregano:

Mexican oregano is another essential ingredient in carnitas pork. This type of oregano has a slightly different flavor than the Italian variety, with a slightly minty and floral flavor profile.

6. Bay Leaves:

Bay leaves are often added to Mexican dishes to provide a subtle, earthy flavor. They are a common ingredient in carnitas pork and should not be skipped.

7. Salt and Black Pepper:

Every good recipe needs salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients properly.

8. Vegetable oil:

In addition to pork, you will need a little bit of vegetable oil to cook it with.

9. Onion:

One medium-sized onion is added to the recipe to provide a slightly sweet flavor and help keep the pork moist.

10. Water:

You will need a little bit of water to cook the pork properly and keep it moist.

Now that you have all of the ingredients you need let’s move on to the next step: preparing the pork!

Ingredients needed to make carnitas pork

Carnitas pork is a mouth-watering Mexican dish that has gained popularity both in and outside Mexico, and for good reasons too. It is easy to make and packs a great deal of flavors. There are few ingredients required to make this sumptuous dish, and most of these ingredients are readily available.

1. Pork shoulder or butt

Pork shoulder or butt is the most common cut used in making carnitas pork. They are fatty cuts of meat, which makes them ideal for slow-cooking. The fat helps to keep the meat moist and tender as it melts while cooking. You can ask your butcher to prepare the meat for you by cutting it into bite-sized pieces, or you can do it yourself at home.

2. Spices

Carnitas pork is not complete without the right blend of spices. You will need garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to give your pork the perfect flavor. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra aroma and sweetness.

3. Orange juice and zest

The use of orange juice and zest is a traditional ingredient in making carnitas pork. The acidity in the orange juice helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat, making it tender. The zest contains natural oils that give your dish a citrusy aroma.

4. lard or vegetable oil

Lard is the traditional fat used in making carnitas pork. It gives the dish a distinct flavor and enhances the texture. If you cannot find lard, vegetable oil is an excellent alternative.

5. Toppings

Toppings are an essential part of the carnitas pork experience. You can serve your carnitas pork with toppings like chopped cilantro, onions, lime wedges, avocado, and salsa. These toppings add color, texture, and flavor to your dish.

Conclusion

Making carnitas pork is easy, and the ingredients are not hard to come by. With the right blend of spices, orange zest, and juice, and fatty cuts of pork, you can create a delicious and flavorful dish. Experiment with different toppings to add your desired flavors, and you’re well on your way to a culinary delight!

Enjoy Your Delicious Carnitas Pork!

Congratulations! You’ve made the perfect carnitas pork that everyone will love. Now, go ahead and enjoy your flavorful meal with your family and friends. Don’t forget to thank them for their support and praise. We hope this article has inspired you to cook more dishes with your own creative twists. Keep checking back for more exciting recipes and cooking tips. Thanks for reading and happy cooking!