Carnitas Simple but Amazing
Transform your taco night with "Carnitas Simple but Amazing," a recipe that delivers golden, melt-in-your-mouth pork with irresistible crispy edges. Made with boneless pork shoulder braised in a flavorful mix of freshly squeezed orange and lime juice, garlic, and aromatic spices like cumin and oregano, this dish is all about bold flavors and tender textures. A slow simmer ensures the pork is juicy and perfectly shred-worthy, while the final step of browning in its own rendered fat creates that signature carnitas crispiness. Perfect as a versatile filling for tacos, burritos, or even as a standalone centerpiece, this easy-to-follow recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly amazing. If you're searching for the ultimate homemade carnitas, this recipe is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pounds Pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed)
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 4 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 units Bay leaves
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut the meat into large chunks, about 2-3 inches wide.
In a large bowl, season the pork chunks with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Mix well to evenly coat the meat.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chunks in batches and sear them until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, and water. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Allow the liquid to evaporate, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pork will begin to brown and crisp up in its own rendered fat.
Once the pork is golden and crispy, remove it from the pot and shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaves.
Serve immediately as the centerpiece for tacos, burritos, or on its own with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4967 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 390.5 g | 501% | |
| Saturated Fat | 130.9 g | 654% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1361 mg | 454% | |
| Sodium | 5920 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.0 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.9 g | ||
| Protein | 330.9 g | 662% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 337 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 5800 mg | 123% | |
*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.
