Pork Carnitas Recipe

Every tortilla dreams of being stuffed with Carnitas. Picture seasoned pork slow-cooked into tender submission, gently shredded and pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection. Carnitas has that elusive combination of juicy and crispy that’s so irresistible. The best part of this Carnitas? 5 minutes prep!

Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

Recipe VIDEO above. Spiciness: Not at all. Scale recipe using Servings slider.These carnitas capture that elusive combination of flavourful, juicy AND crispiness. Pan frying to get the golden bits is not optional! Broiling/grilling will not produce the same results. Stuff them in tacos for an authentic Carnitas Tacos experience, see notes for other uses! FAQ below recipe.

Prep: 15min

Total: 375min

Yield: 10

Serving Size: 205 g

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 205 g, calories 578 kcal, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Protein 45 g, Fat 42 g, Saturated Fat 15 g, Cholesterol 173 mg, Sodium 616 mg, Sugar 0.5 g, unSaturated Fat 23.1 g

Ingredients:

• 2 kg / 4 lb pork shoulder (pork butt) (, skinless, boneless (5lb/2.5kg bone in) (Note 1))
• 2 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 onion (, chopped)
• 1 jalapeno (, deseeded, chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup juice from orange (2 oranges)
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instruction:

1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Rinse and dry the pork shoulder, rub all over with salt and pepper.’, ‘name’: ‘Rinse and dry the pork shoulder, rub all over with salt and pepper.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-0’}
2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Combine the Rub ingredients then rub all over the pork.’, ‘name’: ‘Combine the Rub ingredients then rub all over the pork.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-1’}
3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: “Place the pork in a slow cooker (fat cap up), top with the onion, jalapeño, minced garlic (don’t worry about spreading it) and squeeze over the juice of the oranges.”, ‘name’: “Place the pork in a slow cooker (fat cap up), top with the onion, jalapeño, minced garlic (don’t worry about spreading it) and squeeze over the juice of the oranges.”, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-2’}
4. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Slow Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 7 hours. (Note 2 for other cook methods)’, ‘name’: ‘Slow Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 7 hours. (Note 2 for other cook methods)’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-3’}
5. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Pork should be tender enough to shred. Remove from slow cooker and let cool slightly. Then shred using two forks.’, ‘name’: ‘Pork should be tender enough to shred. Remove from slow cooker and let cool slightly. Then shred using two forks.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-4’}
6. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Optional: Skim off the fat from the juices remaining in the slow cooker and discard. ‘, ‘name’: ‘Optional: Skim off the fat from the juices remaining in the slow cooker and discard. ‘, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-5’}
7. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: “If you have a lot more than 2 cups of juice, then reduce it down to about 2 cups. The liquid will be salty, it is the seasoning for the pork. Set liquid aside – don’t bother straining onion etc, it’s super soft.”, ‘name’: “If you have a lot more than 2 cups of juice, then reduce it down to about 2 cups. The liquid will be salty, it is the seasoning for the pork. Set liquid aside – don’t bother straining onion etc, it’s super soft.”, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-6’}
8. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘To Crisp:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: “Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non stick pan or well seasoned skillet over high heat. Spread pork in the pan, drizzle over some juices. Wait until the juices evaporate and the bottom side is golden brown and crusty. Turn and just briefly sear the other side – you don’t want to make it brown all over because then it’s too crispy, need tender juicy bits.”, ‘name’: “Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non stick pan or well seasoned skillet over high heat. Spread pork in the pan, drizzle over some juices. Wait until the juices evaporate and the bottom side is golden brown and crusty. Turn and just briefly sear the other side – you don’t want to make it brown all over because then it’s too crispy, need tender juicy bits.”, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: “Remove pork from skillet. Repeat in batches (takes me 4 batches) – don’t crowd the pan.”, ‘name’: “Remove pork from skillet. Repeat in batches (takes me 4 batches) – don’t crowd the pan.”, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-1-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Just before serving, drizzle over more juices and serve hot, stuffed in tacos (see notes for sides, other serving suggestion and storage/make ahead).’, ‘name’: ‘Just before serving, drizzle over more juices and serve hot, stuffed in tacos (see notes for sides, other serving suggestion and storage/make ahead).’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-1-2’}]}

Pork Carnitas Recipe

Authentic Mexican pulled pork carnitas recipe are my most popular recipe for a reason! Because they are the best 🙂

Prep: 15min

Total: 3h

Yield: 12

Serving Size: 1/12th

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1/12th, calories 365 calories, Sugar 1 g, Sodium 389 mg, Fat 27 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, unSaturated Fat 15 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Carbohydrate 2 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 27 g, Cholesterol 0 g

Ingredients:

• 4 pound boneless pork butt, fat trimmed and cut into 2 inch cubes
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 Tb fresh lime juice
• 2 C water
• 1 medium orange, juiced and keep the spent halves

Instruction:

1. Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and heat to 300 degrees.
2. all the ingredients in a large Dutch oven, including the spent orange halves and juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, uncovered. Once it simmers, cover pot and transfer it to the oven. Cook until the meat falls apart when prodded with a fork, about 2 hours. You can also complete this step in a crock pot set on high for 6-7 hours. You will have more liquid to reduce in the next step however.
4. Remove the pot from the oven and turn on the broiler. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat from the pan and place it on a large foil-lined jelly roll pan.
5. and discard everything from the pot except for the cooking liquid. Place pot over high heat on the stove and boil until it thickens and syrupy, about 20 – 30 minutes. You should have about 1 C of liquid remaining when it is finished.
6. While the liquid is reducing, use two forks to pull each cube of pork into three equal sized pieces. Once the liquid has reduced, gently fold in the pieces of pork into the pot. Try not to break up the pork any further. Taste and add additional salt and pepper.
7. Spread the pork back onto the foil lined pan and evenly spread the meat around so there is a single layer of meat. Place the jelly roll pan on the lower middle rack of the oven and broil until the top of the meat is well browned and edges are slightly crisp, about 5 to 8 minutes. Using a wide metal spatula, flip the pieces of meat and broil the other side until well browned and edges are slightly crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve immediately in a tortilla with all your favorite toppings.

Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

Crispy Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooked Pulled Pork) is a winner! The closest recipe to authentic Mexican Carnitas (NO LARD), with a perfect crisp finish!

Prep: 10min

Total: 610min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 228 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Sodium 282 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds (or 2 kg) skinless, boneless pork butt (or shoulder)
• 3-4 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano ((or Mexican oregano))
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 large brown or white onion (, cut into wedges)
• 8 cloves garlic (, smashed)
• 2 limes (, juiced)
• 2 large oranges (, juiced (or 3/4 cup natural orange juice))
• 3/4 cup coke ((Original or Mexican coke is ideal)*)
• 2 bay leaves

Instruction:

1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Rinse and pat dry pork with a paper towel.’, ‘name’: ‘Rinse and pat dry pork with a paper towel.’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-0-0’}
2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘In the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker, add pork, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, onion, garlic, lime juice, orange juice, coke, and bay leaves.’, ‘name’: ‘In the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker, add pork, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, onion, garlic, lime juice, orange juice, coke, and bay leaves.’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-0-1’}
3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8-10 hours, or high heat for 5-6 hours (until the meat falls apart).’, ‘name’: ‘Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8-10 hours, or high heat for 5-6 hours (until the meat falls apart).’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-0-2’}
4. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Remove pork and shred with two forks (DO NOT DISCARD THE LIQUID!)’, ‘name’: ‘Remove pork and shred with two forks (DO NOT DISCARD THE LIQUID!)’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-0-3’}
5. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘TO CRISP IN THE OVEN:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Transfer the pork to a baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking oil spray (or lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper).’, ‘name’: ‘Transfer the pork to a baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking oil spray (or lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper).’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Pour 1 ladle full (about 1 cup) of the liquid from the slow cooker over the pork to season. Broil for 5-10 minutes on high heat until the meat becomes golden browned and crispy on the edges.’, ‘name’: ‘Pour 1 ladle full (about 1 cup) of the liquid from the slow cooker over the pork to season. Broil for 5-10 minutes on high heat until the meat becomes golden browned and crispy on the edges.’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-1-1’}]}
6. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘TO CRISP ON STOVE:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a non stick pan or cast iron skillet over high heat. When pan is hot, add pork in batches of two or three, and sear until just beginning to crisp. Ladle over about 1/2 cup of left over liquid, and continue cooking until the juices begin to reduce down and the meat is nice and crispy!’, ‘name’: ‘Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a non stick pan or cast iron skillet over high heat. When pan is hot, add pork in batches of two or three, and sear until just beginning to crisp. Ladle over about 1/2 cup of left over liquid, and continue cooking until the juices begin to reduce down and the meat is nice and crispy!’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-2-0’}]}
7. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘TO SERVE:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Season with a little extra salt and pepper if desired. Pour over more of the slow cooker juices once the meat has crisped for added flavour, just before serving! Serve in Tacos, Burritos, or in a salad!’, ‘name’: ‘Season with a little extra salt and pepper if desired. Pour over more of the slow cooker juices once the meat has crisped for added flavour, just before serving! Serve in Tacos, Burritos, or in a salad!’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-3-0’}]}

Crispy Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Slow Cooked Pulled pork)

FAQ

What is difference between pulled pork and carnitas?

What is carnitas sauce made of?

What cuts of pork for carnitas?

Why do you put orange juice in carnitas?