Carnitas Recipe: Tender and Flavorful
Tender Carnitas with citrus and spices, perfect for tacos.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup lime juice
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Optional: Cilantro lime wedges
- Suggested Pairings: Tortillas Mexican beer
Instructions
- Mix orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Marinate pork for 30 minutes.
- Sear pork in oil 6–8 minutes per batch; set aside.
- In the same pot, add pork, onion, garlic, bay leaves, marinade, and broth; simmer 2.5–3 hours until tender.
- Broil pork on a baking sheet for 5–7 minutes until crispy.
- Serve in a white ceramic dish with cilantro, lime, tortillas, and beer.
Notes
- Sear in batches for a better crust.
- Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Try slow cooker or spicy variations.
- Pair with salsa.