Paleo Party Pork Carnitas
Get ready to wow your guests with this irresistible Paleo Party Pork Carnitas recipe—perfectly tender, juicy, and bursting with bold citrus and smoky flavors! Made with slow-simmered pork shoulder infused with fresh orange and lime juice, savory spices like cumin and smoked paprika, and a rich chicken broth base, these carnitas are a paleo-friendly delight. After hours of simmering for maximum flavor, the shredded pork gets broiled to golden perfection, delivering crispy edges that pair beautifully with its melt-in-your-mouth interior. Whether served in lettuce wraps or alongside cauliflower rice, these carnitas are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for paleo enthusiasts and carnivore lovers alike. With easy preparation and comforting, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is your go-to for healthy indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless)
- 0.5 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cups chicken broth
- 6 cloves garlic cloves (smashed)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp avocado oil (or other high-heat oil)
Instructions
Cut the pork shoulder into 3-4 inch chunks, removing any excess fat but leaving some for flavor.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, combine the pork chunks, orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, garlic, onion slices, bay leaves, cumin, paprika, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.
Ensure the pork is mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a bit more chicken broth.
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
Preheat your oven to broil. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pork onto the prepared baking sheet, discarding the bay leaves. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Ladle about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful.
Drizzle the avocado oil over the shredded pork, then place the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil for about 5-8 minutes, or until the pork becomes crispy and golden brown on the edges, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your Paleo Party Pork Carnitas with lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice, or your favorite paleo-friendly side dishes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
639 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.7 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 159 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 704 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.2 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 42.0 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 55 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 735 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.
