Want more deliciousness? Follow me on X @TeresasRecipes
Authentic Mexican Carnitas
Experience the heart of Mexican cuisine with this Authentic Carnitas recipe. Tender, juicy pork shoulder is slow-cooked to perfection, then crisped to golden delight, creating a mouth-watering balance of textures. This traditional dish, with its roots in the culinary traditions of the Michoacán region, will surely transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons
- Salt
- 2 teaspoons
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon
- Garlic cloves
- 4, minced
- Lime
- 1, juiced
- Orange
- 1, juiced
- Pork shoulder
- 2 pounds, cut into 2-inch chunks
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade.
- Add the pork chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour, although overnight marination will yield the best results.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork chunks in batches, browning them on all sides - about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned pork and any remaining marinade to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The slow cooking will infuse the pork with the flavors of the marinade, making it juicy and delectable.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This will give your carnitas the signature texture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shredded pork. Cook until the edges are crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Serve your carnitas in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy the taste of traditional Mexican cuisine right at your home!
Tips
- For a citrusy twist, you can add some grated lime and orange zest to the marinade.
- If you want your carnitas spicier, add a finely chopped jalapeño or chipotle pepper to the marinade.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 Dish Type: Main Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Cook Time: 5 hours Calories: 450 Fat: 30g Carbs: 10g Protein: 35g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 5g
Finding side dishes...
Selecting wines...
Reviews
Share Your Experience
Your Review
Want to share your experience with this recipe?
Sign in to Leave a ReviewCommunity Reviews
Loading community reviews...