The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Pork Carnitas

Are you craving for some delicious pork carnitas but don’t know how to make them in an easy way? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of making pork carnitas with simple and accessible ingredients.

Pork carnitas are a famous Mexican dish that is loved by many. It’s a perfect recipe that can be cooked in big batches and used in multiple meal options. Whether you want them for your taco, burrito, or just as a standalone dish, you can’t resist the delicious flavors and aroma of this dish. So, let’s get started and learn how to make juicy and succulent pork carnitas in a hassle-free way!

Ingredients for Pork Carnitas

Pork carnitas is a simple recipe that is full of flavor. To make pork carnitas, you will need the following ingredients:

Pork Shoulder or Butt

Pork shoulder or butt is the best cut of pork to use for carnitas. It is a tough, inexpensive cut of meat that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked. Plan on using about 2-3 pounds of meat for this recipe.

Garlic

Garlic is an essential ingredient in pork carnitas. You will need about 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced, for this recipe.

Limes

Limes add a bright, citrusy flavor to pork carnitas. You will need about 2-3 limes, juiced, for this recipe.

Onion

Onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to pork carnitas. You will need about 1 large onion, diced, for this recipe.

Cilantro

Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to pork carnitas. You will need about 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro for this recipe.

Spices

To give pork carnitas its signature flavor, you will need a blend of spices. The spices you will need include cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt.

Orange Juice

Orange juice gives pork carnitas a hint of sweetness and tanginess. You will need about 1 cup of orange juice for this recipe.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is used for frying the pork carnitas at the end of the cooking process. You will need about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil for this recipe.

Tortillas

Pork carnitas is traditionally served with tortillas. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference.

Optional Toppings

You can customize your pork carnitas with a variety of toppings. Some popular toppings include diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and salsa.

Preparing the Pork Carnitas

Now that you have all of your ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing your pork carnitas. Here’s how to make pork carnitas step-by-step:

Step 1: Season the Pork

Begin by seasoning the pork shoulder or butt with a blend of spices, including cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt. Rub the spices all over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Onion, and Orange Juice

Next, add minced garlic, diced onion, and orange juice to the pork. Mix everything together until the pork is coated evenly with the orange juice and other ingredients.

Step 3: Slow-Cook the Pork

Transfer the pork and marinade to a slow-cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.

Step 4: Shred the Pork

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow-cooker and shred it using two forks.

Step 5: Fry the Pork

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork and fry until it is crispy and browned on the edges.

Step 6: Serve the Pork Carnitas

Serve the pork carnitas in warm tortillas, topped with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Ingredients Needed

Before we delve into the process of making the perfect pork carnitas, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
2. 1 large onion, quartered
3. 5 cloves of garlic, minced
4. Juice of 2 limes
5. 1 orange, juiced and zested
6. 1 tbsp chili powder
7. 1 tbsp smoked paprika
8. 1 tsp cumin
9. 2 tsp salt
10. 1/2 tsp black pepper
11. 2 bay leaves
12. 1 cup chicken broth
13. 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Preparing the Pork

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the next step: preparing the pork.

1. Trim the pork shoulder of any excess fat and cut it into 2-3 inch chunks.
2. Season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. Heat up a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat with vegetable oil.
4. Sear the pork on all sides, until golden brown.
5. Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.

Adding Flavor

1. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, and give them a quick stir.
2. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Return the pork back into the pot.
4. Pour in the lime juice, orange juice and zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and add bay leaves.
5. Stir everything together until the pork is well-coated in the mixture.

Cooking the Pork Carnitas

1. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender enough to shred.
4. Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high.
5. Let the sauce reduce and become thick.
6. As the pork reduces, gently stir to prevent it from burning.
7. Once the pork is shredding soft, remove from heat and discard the bay leaves.

The Final Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Move the pork and sauce into a baking dish in an even layer.
3. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges of the pork are crispy.
4. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes like avocado, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, hot sauce, lettuce leaves, and lime wedges.

Storage Tips for Pork Carnitas

If you have extra pork carnitas leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for future use. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pork carnitas in a baking dish with a small amount of water, tightly covered with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Variations on Pork Carnitas

While traditional pork carnitas are made with a specific blend of spices, there are many ways you can change things up to suit your taste. Experiment with different spice blends, such as using chipotle or ancho chili powder. You can also add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor. Another fun variation is to swap out the orange juice for pineapple or apple juice. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make pork carnitas, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start cooking! With these step-by-step instructions and a list of easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be able to make delicious pork carnitas in no time. Don’t forget to experiment with different spices and sauces to find your perfect flavor combination!

Ingredients for Pork Carnitas

When it comes to making delicious pork carnitas, the ingredients you use play a vital role in determining the taste, texture, and flavor of the final product. Here are the ingredients that you will need for making pork carnitas:

Instructions to make Pork Carnitas

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start making the pork carnitas. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it’s hot enough to cook the dish properly.

Step 2: Preparing the Pork Shoulder

Take the pork shoulder and cut it into 2-inch chunks. Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin from the meat.

Step 3: Seasoning the Meat

In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Add the pork chunks to the bowl and coat them with the seasoning mixture. Make sure that all the pork pieces are coated properly.

Step 4: Cooking the Meat

Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chunks and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Add water to the dutch oven and bring it to boil. Cover the lid and transfer the dutch oven to the preheated oven.

Step 5: Oven Roasting

Roast the pork in the oven for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easy to shred.

Remove the dutch oven from the oven and let the pork rest for a few minutes. Once the meat is cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred it into small pieces.

Final Thoughts

Making delicious pork carnitas can be a bit of a challenge. But with the right ingredients and the right technique, anyone can make an excellent dish. Follow the above steps, and you’ll have tasty pork carnitas that you and your guests will love.

Enjoy your Delicious Pork Carnitas!

Now that you know how to make those amazing Pork Carnitas, it’s time to put your skills to the test, and indulge in a succulent meal. Don’t forget to invite your friends and family over to share the experience with you. These authentic Mexican carnitas are sure to blow everyone’s mind, and leave them satisfied and impressed. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back for more mouth-watering recipes. Until next time, happy cooking!