Easy pork carnitas –If you’re craving a delicious and authentic Mexican dish, look no further than this mouth-watering Carnitas recipe! Perfect for tacos, burritos, or just enjoying on its own, it’s packed with flavor and sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the details and get started on creating this delightful dish.
Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Pulled Pork)
This savory recipe will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The slow cooking method allows the pork to become incredibly tender, making it easy to shred and perfect for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (butt), cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 orange, juiced (about 1/2 cup juice)
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork shoulder chunks with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pork is well-coated in the spices.
- Transfer the seasoned pork to a slow cooker. Add the quartered onion, chicken broth, lime juice, and orange juice.
- Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- To add a crispy texture, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, letting it crisp up.
- Serve your carnitas in warm tortillas or over rice, and top with your favorite garnishes like cilantro, diced onions, avocado, and salsa.
Enjoy your homemade carnitas with family and friends, and don’t forget to savor every bite! This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.