Pork Carnitas is a classic Mexican dish made by slow cooking pork until tender and then crisping it to golden perfection. The result is juicy, flavorful meat with irresistible crispy edge, perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. Traditionally, carnitas are made using pork shoulder because of its rich fat content, which keeps the meat moist during long cooking.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1.5–2 kg pork shoulder (boneless, skinless)
- 2–2½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jalapeño (optional, chopped)
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
👉 Pork shoulder is ideal because its fat makes the meat juicy and shreddable after slow cooking.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
Rinse and pat dry the pork shoulder. Rub it evenly with salt and black pepper to build the base flavor.
2. Add Seasoning
Mix oregano, cumin, and olive oil into a paste. Coat the pork thoroughly so the spices penetrate during cooking.
3. Set Up Cooking Base
Place the pork in a slow cooker or heavy pot. Add chopped onion, garlic, jalapeño, and pour fresh orange juice over the meat.
👉 Citrus juice enhances flavor and helps tenderize the pork during cooking.
4. Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours (or HIGH for 5–7 hours) until the pork becomes extremely tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Meat
Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily due to the long cooking process.
6. Reduce the Juices
Simmer the leftover cooking liquid until slightly thickened. This intensifies the flavor and acts as a seasoning sauce.
7. Crisp the Carnitas
Heat a pan with a little oil, add shredded pork, and fry until edges turn crispy and golden.
👉 This final step gives carnitas their signature crispy texture.
8. Serve
Serve hot in tortillas with toppings like onions, cilantro, salsa, or lime wedges.
Also Read: Huevos Rancheros Tortilla Bowls
🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 250–300 kcal
- Protein: 25–27 g
- Fat: 15–19 g
- Carbohydrates: 2–5 g
- Sodium: ~400 mg
(Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.)
🌮 Tips for Best Carnitas
- Use fatty cuts like pork shoulder for best flavor.
- Don’t skip the final pan-frying step—it’s key to texture.
- Let the meat rest slightly before shredding for juicier results.
- Store leftovers and reheat in a pan to retain crispiness.
Also Read: Sirloin Steak Recipes
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Tacos with salsa and lime
- Burrito bowls with rice and beans
- Nachos or quesadillas
- Stuffed wraps or sandwiches
