3 Ingredient Carnitas
Say hello to irresistible flavor with this simple, no-fuss recipe for **3 Ingredient Carnitas**, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep! Using just **pork shoulder**, **freshly squeezed orange juice**, and a touch of **salt**, this recipe delivers tender, juicy, and savory meat with a subtly citrusy kick. Cooked low and slow in a slow cooker or Dutch oven, the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and effortlessly shreddable. For an added layer of deliciousness, crisp up the shredded carnitas in a hot skillet for a golden, caramelized finish. Ready in just a few simple steps with a 10-minute prep time, this versatile dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or piled high on a salad. Your taste buds (and weeknight routine) will thank you!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder (boneless)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks, about 2 to 3 inches each.
Place the pork chunks into a large slow cooker or heavy-duty Dutch oven.
Pour the orange juice evenly over the pork and sprinkle the salt on top.
If using a slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreddable. If using a Dutch oven: Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3.5 to 4 hours.
Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred it into smaller pieces directly in the cooking juices.
Optional: For crispy carnitas, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer shredded pork to the skillet in small batches and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until crispy on one side.
Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, or over rice with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3509 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 272.6 g | 349% | |
| Saturated Fat | 95.3 g | 476% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 952 mg | 318% | |
| Sodium | 7898 mg | 343% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.0 g | ||
| Protein | 246.8 g | 494% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 162 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 4146 mg | 88% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
