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Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas

Deliciously tender Pork Carnitas, perfect for tacos or burritos, made with well-marbled pork shoulder and a blend of spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 cups
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • slow cooker

Ingredients
  

For the Pork

  • 3 pounds Pork Shoulder Well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness.
  • ¼ cup Lard Traditional cooking fat; vegetable oil can be an alternative.
  • 1 cup Water Helps keep the pork juicy.
  • 1 tablespoon Salt Enhances flavor.

For the Aromatics

  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves preferred.
  • 1 medium White Onion Yellow onion works as well.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Discard after cooking.

For the Citrus Zest

  • 1 large Orange Fresh juice and zest.
  • 1 large Lime Fresh juice enhances flavor.

For the Spice Blend

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Adds umami.
  • 3 dried Guajillo Chiles Delivers mild heat and smokiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 4 whole Cloves Infuse warmth and sweetness.

Instructions
 

How to Make Pork Carnitas

  • Start by cutting the pork shoulder into 2-3 inch chunks. Trim any excessive fat.
  • In a Dutch oven, heat the lard over medium-high heat. Fry the pork pieces in batches for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
  • Lower the heat and return the browned pork to the pot. Mix water and salt, pour this in along with lime and Worcestershire sauce, plus fresh orange juice and skins.
  • Slice the garlic and onion, adding them to the pot. Stir in spices, bay leaves, and guajillo chiles.
  • Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for about 2.5 hours until tender.
  • Remove pork from the liquid and shred using two forks. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 38gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Carnitas Recipe, Mexican Cuisine, Pork Carnitas, Pork Recipes, slow cooker, Tacos
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