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Authentic Carnitas Recipe

A close-up, mouthwatering shot of shredded, crispy carnitas pork piled high on a grey plate.
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Learn how to make tender, juicy, and crispy Mexican-style carnitas at home. This recipe delivers ultra-flavorful pulled pork perfect for tacos, burritos, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch chunks
  • 1 orange, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Place the pork chunks in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Squeeze the juice from the orange halves over the pork, then add the squeezed orange halves to the pot.
  3. Add the smashed garlic, bay leaves, oregano, salt, pepper, and water to the pot.
  4. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
  5. Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the liquid and orange halves.
  6. Heat the lard or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Add the shredded pork to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and crispy on the edges, about 5-10 minutes.
  8. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra crispy carnitas, you can broil the shredded pork for a few minutes after pan-frying.
  • Carnitas freeze well. Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • This recipe is a great alternative to meal planning services for a flavorful, homemade meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/carnitas-authentic-mexican-pulled-pork/