Carnitas Recipe: Flavorful Mexican Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

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Carnitas, the beloved Mexican pulled pork, is a dish that’s both savory and succulent. Traditionally slow-cooked until tender, it’s then shredded and crisped up to perfection. This easy recipe brings the authentic flavors of Mexican carnitas right to your kitchen. Whether served in tacos, burritos, or on its own, this carnitas recipe is sure to be a hit at your next family meal or party!

Ingredients for Carnitas

For 6-8 servings, you will need:

  • 2-3 lbs (1-1.5 kg) pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in)
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 orange, quartered (with peel)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for crisping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork
    • Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder (though leaving a bit of fat will help with flavor). Cut the pork into large chunks, about 3-4 inches each, for even cooking.
  2. Season the Meat
    • In a small bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork chunks, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  3. Cook the Pork
    • Place the pork chunks, onion, garlic, orange, and lime into a large slow cooker. Add the chicken broth and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  4. Shred the Pork
    • Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large platter. Discard the orange peels, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Crisp the Carnitas (Optional but Recommended!)
    • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork in batches and fry it for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the edges are crispy and caramelized. This step gives the carnitas its signature crispy texture.
  6. Serve
    • Serve the carnitas with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges. Enjoy as tacos, burritos, or even as a main dish with rice and beans!

Tips for Perfect Carnitas:

  • Slow-Cooker vs. Instant Pot: If you’re short on time, you can also make carnitas in an Instant Pot. Cook for 60-75 minutes on high pressure, then shred and crisp in the skillet.
  • For Extra Flavor: Add a few jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy kick!
  • Toppings: Top your carnitas with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for an authentic Mexican touch.

Variations of Carnitas:

  • Vegetarian Carnitas: Swap the pork for jackfruit for a plant-based version. It mimics the texture of pulled pork when cooked and seasoned properly.
  • Spicy Carnitas: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or a chipotle pepper in adobo to the slow cooker, or top with spicy salsa.

This carnitas recipe is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a festive gathering. With its tender, flavorful pork and crispy texture, it’s the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, and more. Try it out, and enjoy a true taste of Mexico in the comfort of your own home!

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