How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas
Mexican · Medium · 195 min · 8 servings
These fall-apart tender pork carnitas are cooked low and slow in citrus and spices until the meat is incredibly juicy and then crisped under a broiler for the perfect texture. They cannot be matched by any fast food version and make the best tacos imaginable.
Why this recipe works
This Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 195 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder bone-in
- 1 count orange cut in half
- 1 count lime cut in half
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Pork
Rub the pork shoulder all over with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a large heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork on all sides for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Do not skip this step as it builds the foundation of flavor.
Step 2: Braise Low and Slow
Squeeze the orange and lime halves over the seared pork and drop the squeezed citrus into the pot along with the smashed garlic. Add enough water to come halfway up the pork. Cover tightly and cook in a 300 degree Fahrenheit oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat falls apart easily.
Step 3: Shred and Reduce the Liquid
Remove the pork from the pot and shred it into large chunks using two forks. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid and bring it to a boil on the stovetop for 10 minutes until reduced by half. Pour this concentrated broth over the shredded pork and toss well.
Step 4: Crisp Under the Broiler
Spread the pork in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Broil on the highest rack for 5 to 7 minutes until the edges are caramelized and crispy. Toss and broil for another 3 minutes. Serve immediately in warm tortillas with diced onion, cilantro, and salsa.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pork shoulder → pork butt which has a similar fat content and shreds just as well
- orange → grapefruit for a slightly more bitter and complex citrus note
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking at too high a temperature which toughens the meat instead of making it tender
- Skipping the broiling step which means you miss the signature crispy caramelized texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 34g protein, 4g carbs, 26g fat, 0g fiber.
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