How to Make the Best Pork Carnitas in Your City
Your City: Here is one of the best Pork Carnitas recipes out there!
What Most People Don’t Know About Making Pork Carnitas
- Use Pork Shoulder for Best Results: Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is the ideal cut for carnitas because its fat content keeps the meat tender and juicy during slow cooking.
- Crisp Under the Broiler for Authentic Texture: After slow cooking, broiling the shredded pork in the oven gives it crispy edges, which adds a delicious contrast to the tender meat.
- Orange Juice Adds Flavor and Tenderness: Adding orange juice to the cooking liquid not only adds a hint of citrus flavor but also helps tenderize the meat as it cooks.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs. pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into large chunks
- Bald Buck Seasoning and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Corn tortillas, for serving
- Toppings: chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Season the Pork: Season the pork chunks generously with Bald Buck Seasoning, pepper, cumin, and oregano. In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, add the seasoned pork, onion, minced garlic, orange juice, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pot from the oven and transfer the pork to a large baking sheet. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- Crisp the Pork: Increase the oven temperature to broil. Drizzle the shredded pork with vegetable oil and toss to coat. Spread the pork out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
- Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 5-8 minutes, or until the edges of the pork are crispy and caramelized, stirring halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Serve: Serve the crispy pork carnitas in warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings such as chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and guacamole.
