Juicy Flavorful Carnitas No Lard

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Transform your taco nights with this irresistible recipe for **Juicy, Flavorful Carnitas (No Lard)**, a lighter yet equally mouthwatering take on the classic Mexican dish. Made with tender pork shoulder simmered to perfection in a zesty blend of freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, low-sodium chicken broth, and aromatic spices like cumin and oregano, this recipe guarantees maximum flavor with no lard required. The finishing touch—a quick broil—creates those signature crispy edges, while keeping the pork juicy and succulent. Perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or salads, this wholesome yet indulgent dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Plus, with all-natural ingredients and simple steps, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: N/A
• Total Time: 15 min
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

13 items

• 3 pounds Pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 2-inch chunks)
• 1 cup Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 0.25 cup Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup Chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 piece Onion (large, quartered)
• 2 pieces Bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

📝 Instructions

9 steps

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the pork chunks in batches, searing them on all sides until golden brown. Remove the pork and set it aside.

3. In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Return the pork to the pot and add the orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, quartered onion, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally, ensuring the liquid doesn’t completely evaporate. If needed, add a small amount of water to maintain some moisture.

6. Once the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork, remove the bay leaves and discard them.

7. Transfer the pork to a baking sheet and shred it with two forks, spreading it out evenly.

8. Preheat the oven to broil. Drizzle the shredded pork with a small amount of the cooking liquid to keep it moist, then broil the pork for 5-7 minutes or until the edges are crispy.

9. Serve immediately with tortillas, rice, or as a topping for salads and bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (350.7g)

Calories		646
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		50.1 g	64%
	Saturated Fat	16.5 g	82%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		159 mg	53%
Sodium		809 mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate		8.8 g	3%
	Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4%
	Total Sugars	4.9 g
Protein		42.1 g	84%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		47 mg	4%
Iron		2.5 mg	14%
Potassium		795 mg	17%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2712 cal (69.0%%)

Protein: 1008 cal (25.7%%)

Carbs: 210 cal (5.4%%)