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Mexican Carnitas

Savor the authentic flavors of tender, slow-cooked pork transformed into perfectly crispy Mexican Carnitas, delivering a delightful taste of Mexico in just about 3 hours from start to finish.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 150 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 3 hrs 10 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 220  C
Servings: 6
Estimated Cost: $  25
Calories: 450
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Mexican Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish where pork shoulder is simmered slowly with a blend of citrus, spices, and aromatics until fall-apart tender. After the slow cooking process, the pork is shredded and finished under high heat to achieve the signature crispy edges. This recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of orange and lime with traditional spices like cumin and oregano, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Ideal as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enjoyed on its own, it epitomizes the robust culinary heritage of Mexico.

Ingredients
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder – (1360 g)
  • 1 large onion – (150 g)
  • 4 cloves garlic – (approximately 12 g)
  • 1 orange – (approximately 131 g of juice)
  • 1 lime – (approximately 44 g of juice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt – (5 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – (1 g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin – (2 g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – (1 g)
  • 2 bay leaves – (no conversion)
  • 2 cups water – (480 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – (30 ml)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper – (approximately 45 g)
Instructions
  1. 1
    In a large heavy pot, combine the pork shoulder chunks, quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice (with the spent peel), lime juice, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and then reduce to low. Allow the pork to cook gently for about 2 hours 30 minutes until it becomes extremely tender and easily shreddable.
  2. 2
    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the pork chunks from the pot and use two forks to shred the meat. Optionally, strain and reserve a little of the cooking liquid to keep the meat moist.
  3. 3
    Spread the shredded pork evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with vegetable oil and, if desired, mix in the sliced jalapeño for an extra kick. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
  4. 4
    Broil or bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the edges of the pork become crispy and caramelized.
  5. 5
    Let the carnitas rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot as filling for tacos, burritos, or enjoy them on their own as a main dish that encapsulates the heart of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy your delightful Mexican Carnitas!
Keywords: Mexican Carnitas, pork carnitas, slow-cooked pork, crispy pork, Mexican cuisine
Read it online: https://www.leonisteam.com/recipe/mexican-carnitas/