Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Pulled Pork)

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Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Pulled Pork) 🌮🐖

If you’ve ever had tacos at a traditional taquería, you’ve probably tasted Carnitas—tender, 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 You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tender & Juicy – Slow-cooked pork that falls apart effortlessly.
  • Crispy Perfection – Broiled at the end for authentic caramelized edges.
  • Simple Ingredients – Just pork, citrus, broth, and spices.
  • Versatile Dish – Perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, or bowls.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly – 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 7–9 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 5–7 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 ideal—it has the right fat content for juicy, tender meat.
  • No Slow Cooker? Cook in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 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

  • Don’t skip the citrus—the 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: What’s the best way to serve carnitas?
In tacos with onion, cilantro, and lime—but they’re also delicious in burritos, salads, nachos, or breakfast hash.

👉 With its rich, citrusy flavor and crispy golden edges, this Carnitas recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making tacos for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s the kind of recipe that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

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