Description
Tender, flavorful carnitas made with succulent pork shoulder slow-cooked with aromatic spices and citrus juice, perfect for serving in warm corn tortillas with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This classic Mexican dish offers a delicious combination of crispy edges and tender meat, ideal for tacos or burritos.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Citrus
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 orange, juice only
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Serving
- Warm corn tortillas
Instructions
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the pork pieces with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Prepare for Slow Cooking: Transfer the browned pork to a slow cooker or keep it in the Dutch oven. Add the minced garlic, quartered onion, orange juice, and chicken broth to the meat.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with two forks.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the pork from the cooking liquid and shred with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Crisp the Carnitas (Optional): For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork evenly on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, tossing halfway through to crisp all sides.
- Serve: Serve the carnitas in warm corn tortillas, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Add additional toppings like diced onions, avocado, or salsa if desired.
Notes
- Carnitas can be prepared a day ahead; refrigerate and reheat before serving.
- Crisping the pork under the broiler just before serving enhances texture and flavor.
- Serve with traditional toppings such as diced onions, avocado slices, or your favorite salsa for authenticity.
