Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Pulled Pork) đŽđ
If youâve ever had tacos at a traditional taquerĂa, youâve probably tasted Carnitasâtender, juicy pork slow-cooked in citrusy broth until it practically melts in your mouth, then crisped to perfection for irresistible golden edges. This Mexican classic is versatile, comforting, and incredibly flavorful, making it a favorite for tacos, burritos, tostadas, or even simple rice bowls.
With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a slow cooker (or oven), you can recreate restaurant-quality carnitas right in your own kitchen.
Why Youâll Love This Recipe
- Tender & Juicy â Slow-cooked pork that falls apart effortlessly.
- Crispy Perfection â Broiled at the end for authentic caramelized edges.
- Simple Ingredients â Just pork, citrus, broth, and spices.
- Versatile Dish â Perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, or bowls.
- Meal-Prep Friendly â Freezes and reheats beautifully for quick meals.
Ingredients
For the Carnitas:
- 4 lb boneless pork roast (pork butt or pork shoulder)
- 3 tsp fine sea salt (or 2 1/2 tsp table salt)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves (whole, peeled)
- 4 Tbsp lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves (optional, for added aroma)
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced onion
- Warm corn tortillas
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Pork
- Pat pork roast dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the pork.
2. Assemble the Slow Cooker
- Place the diced onion, whole garlic cloves, chicken broth, lime juice, orange juice, and bay leaves in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned pork roast on top.
3. Slow Cook the Pork
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 7â9 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred the Pork
- Transfer the cooked pork to a rimmed baking sheet.
- Shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Drizzle about 1/2 cup of the cooking juices over the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Crisp the Carnitas
- Preheat oven broiler.
- Spread shredded pork evenly on the baking sheet.
- Broil for 5â7 minutes, stirring halfway, until the edges become crispy and caramelized.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve the carnitas in warm corn tortillas or use in burritos, tostadas, nachos, or rice bowls.
- Garnish with cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges for authentic flavor.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Cut of Pork: Pork butt (shoulder) is idealâit has the right fat content for juicy, tender meat.
- No Slow Cooker? Cook in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3â4 hours until fork-tender.
- Extra Crispy: After broiling, drizzle a little more cooking liquid and broil again for even more caramelization.
- Flavor Boost: Add a cinnamon stick or a splash of cola to the cooking liquid for depth.
- Leftovers: Use carnitas for quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, or breakfast tacos.
Important Notes
- Donât skip the citrusâthe lime and orange juices are key to authentic carnitas flavor.
- Always crisp the meat after shredding; this step gives carnitas their signature texture.
- Remove bay leaves before shredding the pork.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
(Values vary depending on serving size and toppings.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I freeze carnitas?
Yes! Store cooled carnitas in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best texture.
Q2: How do I reheat carnitas without drying them out?
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of the reserved cooking juices, or bake covered at 350°F until warmed through.
Q3: Can I make carnitas in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on HIGH for 60 minutes, then let naturally release for 15 minutes. Crisp under the broiler afterward.
Q4: Whatâs the best way to serve carnitas?
In tacos with onion, cilantro, and limeâbut theyâre also delicious in burritos, salads, nachos, or breakfast hash.
đ With its rich, citrusy flavor and crispy golden edges, this Carnitas recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether youâre making tacos for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, itâs the kind of recipe that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.