Pork Carnitas – Looking for a quick and delicious Mexican pulled pork recipe? Look no further than this easy pork carnitas recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork that is perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or even as a main dish. The combination of lime, orange juice, garlic, and onion provides a zesty and tangy flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Whenever I make this easy pork carnitas recipe, it instantly transports me back to the streets of Mexico. My husband and I had our honeymoon in Mexico, and we fell in love with the food and culture there. After we came back home, we craved authentic Mexican food, especially pork carnitas. So, we experimented with different recipes until we found the perfect one. Now, it’s become a staple in our household, and we make it whenever we want to relive those magical moments in Mexico.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try?
Succulent and tender pork combined with a tangy and zesty flavor makes this easy pork carnitas recipe a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. The combination of lime and orange juice provides a refreshing taste, while garlic and onion add depth and richness to the flavor. The recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the work for you. Once the pork is cooked, the broiling step creates crispy edges that add an extra layer of texture to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 lb. (1.8 kg) boneless pork roast
- 3 Tbsp. (45 g) fine sea salt (or 2 1/2 tsp table salt)
- 1 Tbsp. (8 g) ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 Tbsp. (60 ml) lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice (from 2 oranges)
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
Directions:
Pat the pork roast dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Rub the pork with the seasoning mixture.
In a slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, lime juice, orange juice, and bay leaves.
Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker, cover it with the lid, and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
Place the shredded pork onto a baking sheet and pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the cooking juices on top of the meat.
Broil the pork for 5-7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Notes:
- For a crispier texture, broil the shredded pork in the oven after cooking.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a Dutch oven or a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, and cook the pork in the oven at 325°F for about 3 hours or until it is tender.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
In conclusion, this easy pork carnitas recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its juicy and tender pork infused with flavorful spices and citrus juices, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you are hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or craving a flavorful and comforting dinner, this recipe is a great option. So give it a try and see for yourself why it has become a staple in so many households!
FAQ
What is pork carnitas?
Pork carnitas is a popular Mexican dish made by slow-cooking pork in a combination of citrus juices and spices until it becomes tender and flavorful, and then shredding the meat into small pieces.
What is the best cut of pork for carnitas?
The best cut of pork for carnitas is a boneless pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, which has a lot of fat and connective tissue that break down during cooking and add flavor and juiciness to the meat.
What is the difference between a slow cooker and a Dutch oven?
A slow cooker is an electrical appliance that cooks food at a low temperature over a long period of time, while a Dutch oven is a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid that can be used on the stove or in the oven to cook food at a low temperature for a long time. Both are great for making stews, braises, and other slow-cooked dishes.
Can I make pork carnitas ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pork carnitas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, you can either microwave them, sauté them in a pan with a little oil, or bake them in the oven until heated through and crispy.
What are some serving suggestions for pork carnitas?
Pork carnitas can be served in many ways, such as in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, or bowls, with toppings like avocado, cilantro, onion, lime, cheese, salsa, or sour cream.
Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
- 4 lb. 1.8 kg boneless pork roast
- 3 Tbsp. 45 g fine sea salt (or 2 1/2 tsp table salt)
- 1 Tbsp. 8 g ground black pepper
- 1 tsp 1 g dried oregano
- 1 large onion diced
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 4 Tbsp. 60 ml lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 1/2 cup 120 ml orange juice (from 2 oranges)
- 1 cup 240 ml chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Pat the pork roast dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Rub the pork with the seasoning mixture.
- In a slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, lime juice, orange juice, and bay leaves.
- Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker, cover it with the lid, and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Place the shredded pork onto a baking sheet and pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the cooking juices on top of the meat.
- Broil the pork for 5-7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crispy on the edges.
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