🍽️

Carnitas

Name: Carnitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: mexican
Ingredients: 4 pounds pork shoulder; 2 large orange; 2 large lime; 6 cloves garlic; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 leaves bay leaves; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 16 tortillas corn tortillas; 1 medium white onion; 0.5 cup fresh cilantro

Bring crowd-pleasing appeal to your table with this succulent combination of pork shoulder, orange, and lime. Ready in just 195 minutes, this easy recipe works great for holiday celebrations. Pair with steamed rice to round out the meal beautifully.

Total Time

3h 15min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Time Breakdown

Prep:15min

Cook:3h

Cuisine:

Mexican

Meal Type:

Dinner

Tags:

Kid Friendly Authentic Mexican Slow Cooked Crispy Edges Versatile Crowd Pleaser

Ingredients (8 servings)

4 poundspork shoulder
cut into 3-inch chunks
2 largeorange
juiced
2 largelime
juiced
6 clovesgarlic
minced
2 teaspoonscumin
1 tablespoonchili powder
2 teaspoonsdried oregano
2 teaspoonssalt
1 teaspoonblack pepper
2 leavesbay leaves
2 tablespoonsvegetable oil
16 tortillascorn tortillas
for serving
1 mediumwhite onion
diced
1/2 cupfresh cilantro
chopped

Instructions

1
Season pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
5min
2
Place pork in slow cooker with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and bay leaves.
5min
3
Cook on low 6-8 hours until fork-tender.
6h
4
Remove pork and shred with two forks.
10min
5
Strain cooking liquid, reserve 1 cup.
3min
6
Heat oil in large skillet over high heat.
2min
7
Add shredded pork, cook until crispy edges form, 5 minutes.
5min
8
Add reserved liquid to keep moist.
1min
9
Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning.
2min
10
Serve in warm tortillas with onion and cilantro.
3min

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about making Carnitas

How long does it take to make Carnitas?

This Carnitas recipe takes approximately 195 minutes total, with 15 minutes of prep time and 180 minutes of cooking time.

How many servings does this Carnitas recipe make?

This recipe serves 8 people. You can easily scale the ingredients up or down to serve more or fewer people.

Is this Carnitas recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes! This Carnitas recipe is rated as easy and perfect for beginners. The instructions are straightforward and don't require advanced cooking techniques.

What makes this Carnitas authentic mexican?

This Carnitas recipe uses traditional mexican ingredients and cooking methods to deliver authentic flavors that represent the essence of mexican cuisine.

Can I make Carnitas ahead of time?

Yes, Carnitas can be prepared ahead of time. You can prep ingredients in advance or make the full recipe and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

How should I store leftover Carnitas?

Store leftover Carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Carnitas recipe?

Yes, many ingredients in Carnitas can be substituted based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Common substitutions work well, but may slightly alter the final taste and texture.

What should I serve with Carnitas?

Carnitas pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite grain for a complete and balanced meal.

What kitchen equipment do I need to make Carnitas?

To make Carnitas, you'll need basic kitchen equipment like mixing bowls, measuring cups, and standard cookware. No special equipment is required unless specified in the recipe instructions.

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