Easy Carnitas
Transform your taco night with this flavorful and foolproof Easy Carnitas recipe! Juicy, tender chunks of slow-simmered pork shoulder are infused with the vibrant flavors of orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and aromatic spices like cumin and oregano. The pork is then broiled to perfection, giving it irresistibly crispy edges while keeping the inside beautifully moist. With just 15 minutes of prep and minimal effort, this recipe delivers authentic, restaurant-quality carnitas right from your kitchen. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls, these Mexican-inspired carnitas are a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress a crowd. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or a casual get-together, these easy carnitas are guaranteed to steal the show!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 0.25 cup lime juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks, about 2 to 3 inches wide.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine the pork chunks, orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, garlic cloves (smashed), cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Once it reaches a simmer, lower the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cook covered for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Using a slotted spoon, remove the pork from the cooking liquid and place it on a large baking sheet. Discard the bay leaf.
Shred the pork into smaller pieces using two forks.
Drizzle the vegetable oil evenly over the shredded pork and gently toss to coat.
Spread the pork out in a single, even layer on the baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and broil for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the pork are golden and crispy. Stir halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Serve the carnitas warm in tacos, burritos, or bowls with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
634 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.9 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.6 g | 83% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 170 mg | 57% | |
| Sodium | 888 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 42.1 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 43 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 763 mg | 16% | |
*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.
