Juicy Flavorful Carnitas No Lard
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!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 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
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chunks in batches, searing them on all sides until golden brown. Remove the pork and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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.
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.
Once the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork, remove the bay leaves and discard them.
Transfer the pork to a baking sheet and shred it with two forks, spreading it out evenly.
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.
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
Calories |
3894 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 302.4 g | 388% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.0 g | 500% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 952 mg | 318% | |
| Sodium | 5697 mg | 248% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.7 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.8 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.4 g | ||
| Protein | 251.9 g | 504% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 287 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 15.8 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 4693 mg | 100% | |
*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.
