How to Make Pork Carnitas - A Step-by-Step Guide

Pork Carnitas is a delicious and savory Mexican dish that is sure to satisfy any pork lover's cravings. This traditional dish is made by slow-cooking pork in its own fat until it becomes fork-tender and packed with flavor. The result is juicy and tender pieces of pork that are perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or enjoying on their own.

Carnitas, which translates to "little meats" in Spanish, is a popular dish often served during celebrations and family gatherings in Mexico. It's a ...

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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into several large pieces
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 45 mins
  • Servings: 12

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Season pork shoulder pieces with salt, then arrange in the Dutch oven. Cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in onion, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, oregano, and cumin. Pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until pork is very tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Transfer pork shoulder to a large baking sheet; reserve cooking liquid. Drizzle a small amount of cooking liquid over pork pieces and lightly season with salt.
  • Bake pork in the preheated oven until browned, about 30 minutes. Drizzle more cooking liquid every 10 minutes; use two forks to shred pork as it browns.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!
  • Nutrition

    250 cal.

    • Total Fat: 19g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 63mg
    • Sodium: 2072mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 2g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 16g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 23mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 252mg