How to Cook Manteca Fried Carnitas (Step-by-Step)

Updated
2 min read

Manteca fried carnitas –Y’all, if you’re lookin’ to spice up your dinner table with something that’ll make your taste buds dance, let me introduce you to the mouth-watering delight of carnitas. This Mexican fried pork dish is packed with flavor and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Get ready to dive into some scrumptious goodness!

Feast Your Eyes!

Check out this deliciously crispy carnitas that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Homemade Carnitas

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 3 to 4 pounds of pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños, sliced (optional, if you like it spicy)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Tortillas, for serving

How to Make It:

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). You want it nice and comfy for that pork.
  2. In a big bowl, rub the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Make sure you coat it well, y’all!
  3. In a large Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides for a couple of minutes until it’s nice and brown.
  4. Retrieve that pork and toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté them until they’re fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Return the pork to the pot and pour in the orange juice and lime juice. Add the jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous.
  6. Cover the pot with a lid and slide it into the oven. Let that beautiful creation cook for about 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is pulling apart tender.
  7. Once it’s done, remove the pork from the pot and shred it with two forks. Pair it with the cooking juices for extra flavor.
  8. Serve your succulent carnitas in warm tortillas, and don’t forget the cilantro on top!

Now, you’re ready to impress everyone with this delectable dish. Gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy some good food and good times.