The Best Pork Carnitas Recipe

Pork Carnitas are a Mexican classic, featuring tender, slow-cooked pork that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are flavorful and versatile, perfect for tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans. Here’s how you can make the best Pork Carnitas at home!

The Best Pork Carnitas Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), cut into large chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 jalapeño, deseeded and chopped (optional, for heat)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed is best)
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions:

1. Season the Pork:
   • Rub the pork shoulder pieces with salt, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and oregano until they are evenly coated.
2. Brown the Pork (optional but recommended):
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork pieces on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds depth to the flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
3. Slow Cook the Pork:
   • Place the pork in a slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, jalapeño (if using), cinnamon stick, and bay leaves on top of the pork.
   • Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. The liquid should almost cover the pork.
4. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.
5. Shred the Pork:
   • Remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and any large chunks of onion or garlic.
   • Skim the fat from the cooking liquid, but save some of it for added flavor.
6. Crisp the Pork:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid or oil. Add the shredded pork in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Let the pork cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottom is crispy and golden. Flip and crisp the other side if desired.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the crispy pork carnitas with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings for tacos, or alongside rice and beans for a full meal.

Tips:

• Broiler Method: If you prefer, you can crisp the pork under the broiler. Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and drizzle some cooking liquid over it. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until crispy.
• Leftovers: Carnitas make excellent leftovers and can be used in quesadillas, enchiladas, or as a topping for nachos.

Enjoy!

These Pork Carnitas are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp on the outside, making them the ultimate taco filling or a delicious dish on their own!