Carnitas
Carnitas is a Mexican dish made by braising or simmering pork until tender and then crisping it up. These deliciously flavored carnitas can be used in tacos, burritos, or enjoyed straight from the pot.
Nutrition
Calories: 350cal
Carbohydrate: 2g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: – -mg
Sodium: – -mg
Difficulty Level: easy
20 min Prep
4 hr Cook
4 hr 20 min Total
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 orange, halved
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork cubes with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. Stir to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the spices. Use your hands for the best results.
- Place the pork in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion, garlic powder, and bay leaves on top.
- Squeeze the juice from the orange halves over the pork, then add the orange halves to the pot.
- Pour in enough water to just barely cover the meat. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
- Once at a simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 3 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Preheat your oven broiler to high. Meanwhile, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, discarding the onions, bay leaves, and orange halves.
- Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces on the baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven under the broiler. Broil for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the edges of the pork begin to crisp up. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
- After broiling, remove the baking sheet and toss the pork to expose uncrisped pieces to the heat. Return to the broiler for another 5 minutes.
- Serve the carnitas in warm tortillas with your choice of toppings such as salsa, cilantro, onions, or guacamole.
