Craving Tender and Juicy Pork Carnitas? Here’s the Secret Recipe You Need

Carnitas, a Mexican delicacy, are tender and flavorful pulled pork that has been slow-cooked in a mixture of spices, herbs, and citrus. This dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired creations. If you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make pork carnitas that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds pork shoulder (butt)
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup lime juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment:

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Tongs or two forks
• Shredding claws or two forks

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork:

Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 2-inch cubes.

2. Combine the Marinade:

In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, onion, cilantro, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

3. Marinate the Pork:

Add the pork cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.

4. Slow-Cook the Pork:

Transfer the marinated pork and marinade to a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fall-off-the-bone tender.

5. Shred the Pork:

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks or shredding claws to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

6. Crisp the Carnitas (Optional):

For a crispy texture, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until it browns and crisps slightly.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the pork carnitas immediately with your favorite accompaniments, such as tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Tips for Perfect Pork Carnitas:

• Use a good quality pork shoulder with a good amount of marbling for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pork. It should be tender and juicy, but not mushy.
• If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the pork in a Dutch oven in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 hours.
• For a spicier carnitas, add some chopped jalapeños to the marinade.
• Serve the carnitas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

Variations:

• Crispy Carnitas: Crisp the shredded pork in a skillet for a delicious crunch.
• Guajillo Carnitas: Add guajillo chiles to the marinade for a smoky and spicy flavor.
• Pineapple Carnitas: Add pineapple chunks to the marinade for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Beer Carnitas: Use beer instead of chicken broth in the marinade for a malty flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best cut of pork for carnitas?

• Pork shoulder (butt) is the best cut for making carnitas as it has a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which results in tender and flavorful meat.

2. How long should I marinate the pork?

• Marinating the pork for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight, allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.

3. Can I cook carnitas in the oven?

• Yes, you can cook carnitas in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart.

4. How do I store leftover carnitas?

• Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

5. What are some good toppings for carnitas?

• Popular toppings for carnitas include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped onions, and cilantro.