Unleash the Magic: How to Cook Tender and Flavorful Pork Carnitas from Aldi

Craving juicy, flavorful pork carnitas without breaking the bank? Look no further than Aldi, the budget-friendly grocer that offers an exceptional selection of meats. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the effortless steps of cooking mouthwatering pork carnitas from Aldi, ensuring a culinary experience that will leave you and your loved ones craving more.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 (4-pound) boneless pork shoulder (butt) from Aldi
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment:

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Tongs
• Shredding forks

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Season the Pork

In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder, orange juice, chicken broth, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the pork is evenly coated.

2. Cook in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seasoned pork to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. Roast in the Oven (Optional)

Alternatively, you can roast the pork in the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the seasoned pork in a roasting pan and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

4. Shred the Pork

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Use two shredding forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

5. Crisp the Carnitas (Optional)

For extra crispy carnitas, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pork carnitas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

7. Storage Tips

• Refrigerate the leftover carnitas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze the carnitas in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Enhance Your Carnitas with These Tips:

• Add some heat: For a spicier carnitas, add 1-2 jalapeños to the slow cooker or roasting pan.
• Use a different citrus: Experiment with different citrus juices, such as grapefruit or pineapple juice, for a unique flavor twist.
• Slow-roast for maximum flavor: Cooking the pork on low heat for an extended period allows the flavors to develop fully.
• Don’t overcook the pork: Overcooked pork will become dry and tough. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches the desired doneness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the best cut of pork for carnitas?
A: Boneless pork shoulder (butt) is the ideal cut for carnitas, as it contains a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which results in tender and juicy meat.

Q: Can I make carnitas in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can make carnitas in an Instant Pot. Season the pork as instructed and place it in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of liquid (orange juice or chicken broth). Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then release the pressure and shred the pork.

Q: What are some side dishes that go well with pork carnitas?
A: Pork carnitas pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, beans, tortillas, guacamole, and salsa.