Low Fat Carnitas
Savor all the flavor of traditional carnitas with a healthy twist in this Low-Fat Carnitas recipe. Made with lean pork tenderloin, fresh citrus juices, and an aromatic blend of spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, this dish keeps things light without sacrificing taste. Slowly simmered to tender perfection and finished under the broiler for those coveted crispy edges, these carnitas are a guilt-free way to enjoy a Mexican classic. The recipe is easy to prepare with minimal fat, thanks to the use of olive oil and a reduced-fat cooking process, and it's perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or as a stand-alone protein. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges, it’s a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s big on flavor and low in calories. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping and is certain to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 cup Orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 1 medium White onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- 4 pieces Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Trim any visible fat from the pork tenderloin and cut it into 3–4 large chunks.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear the pork chunks on all sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set aside.
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped white onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Stir in the ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Add the seared pork back to the pot. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf.
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 1/2–3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Preheat your oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Remove the pork chunks from the pot and shred them using two forks. Transfer the shredded pork to the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork for added moisture and flavor.
Broil the pork in the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the edges are crispy.
Serve the low-fat carnitas with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your choice of tortillas or sides. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1587 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.2 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.9 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 617 mg | 206% | |
| Sodium | 5534 mg | 241% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.1 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.9 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.4 g | ||
| Protein | 231.7 g | 463% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 230 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 5374 mg | 114% | |
*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.
