How to Make Orange and Milk-Braised Pork Carnitas - A Step-by-Step Guide

Orange and Milk-Braised Pork Carnitas is a mouthwatering and savory Mexican dish that is packed with flavor and tender, juicy meat. This recipe has been a favorite in Mexican households for generations and is often served at special occasions and family gatherings. The combination of the refreshing citrus flavor from the oranges and the rich creaminess from the milk creates a unique and unforgettable taste that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

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Ingredients

  • 3 ½ pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into large pieces
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, or more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 orange, juiced and zested
  • 2 cups whole milk

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Season pork with pepper and salt.
  • Heat oil in large pot over high heat. Working in batches, cook pork in the hot oil until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Return all cooked pork and accumulated juice to pot.
  • Season pork with bay leaves, cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir in fresh orange juice, orange zest, and milk. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until meat is fork tender but not falling apart, about 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Remove pork from liquid. Skim some fat from the pot to grease a baking dish. Transfer the pieces of pork to the baking dish. Drizzle about 2 more tablespoons of the floating fat over the meat. Season with more salt, if needed.
  • Bake in preheated oven until pork is browned, about 15 minutes. Stir pork.
  • Turn on oven's broiler. Cook pork under broiler until crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    325 cal.

    • Total Fat: 24g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 84mg
    • Sodium: 805mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 4g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 22g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 102mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 397mg