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Authentic Pork Carnitas Recipe

A close-up of a pile of shredded pork carnitas on a white plate, glistening and browned.
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Learn how to make tender, fall-apart pork carnitas with crispy edges. This recipe uses simple ingredients and can be made in your oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 2-3 inch chunks
  • 1 large orange, halved
  • 1 lime, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil (optional, for crisping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place pork chunks in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
  3. Squeeze the juice from the orange and lime halves over the pork. Add the squeezed halves to the pot.
  4. Add smashed garlic cloves, cumin seeds, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
  5. Pour in the water or broth.
  6. Cover the pot tightly and cook in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  7. Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the orange and lime halves, garlic, and any large pieces of fat.
  8. For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet. Drizzle with lard or oil if using. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until the edges are browned and crispy. Alternatively, crisp the pork in a hot skillet.
  9. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a slow cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • For an Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 45-60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
  • Pork shoulder or Boston butt is the best cut for carnitas due to its fat content, which keeps the meat moist.
  • You can crisp the carnitas under the broiler or in a cast iron skillet after shredding for the best texture.
  • Carnitas are perfect for street tacos, burrito bowls, or tostadas.
  • Consider this recipe for your next Cinco de Mayo celebration or for easy meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/pork-carnitas-authentic-fall-apart-crispy/