Crispy pork carnitas –Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance? Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Crispy Pork Carnitas, aka Mexican Pulled Pork. This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also perfect for gatherings, taco nights, or just a cozy dinner at home. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!
Crispy Pork Carnitas
You might want to take a seat for this one because crispy pork carnitas are about to change your life! Imagine tender, juicy pork that melts in your mouth, with a crispy edge that has your taste buds singing. Trust me, this isn’t just any ordinary pulled pork; it’s an explosion of flavor wrapped up in a warm tortilla, ready to be devoured!
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), cut into large chunks
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced (save the spent halves!)
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- Water (enough to cover the pork)
- Tortillas for serving (don’t forget the toppings!)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder chunks, onion, garlic, orange juice, spent orange halves, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Add enough water to cover the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Your kitchen is about to smell like heaven!
- Once the pork is done, shred it using two forks right in the slow cooker. Stir it in the juices for maximum flavor enhancement!
- For that crispy goodness, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and drizzle a bit of its cooking liquid over the top. Pop it into the oven for 10-15 minutes until it gets that lovely golden brown crispiness.
- Now, warm those tortillas and get ready to pile on the carnitas. Top with your favorite goodies like cilantro, diced onions, avocado, or a splash of lime juice. Stuff it all in, and take a big bite. Don’t worry; you won’t regret it!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of crispy pork carnitas, go ahead and share the joy! Don’t forget to invite some friends over because this dish is too good to keep to yourself. Enjoy!
