Pork carnitas are a beloved Mexican dish known for their tender, juicy, and flavorful shredded pork. This recipe simplifies the traditional cooking method to make it accessible for home cooks, without compromising on taste. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans, these pork carnitas will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious and easy-to-make dish!
Ingredients for Easiest Pork Carnitas
To make Easiest Pork Carnitas, gather the following ingredients:
- Pork shoulder or butt: 3 lbs, boneless, cut into chunks
- Orange: 1 large, juiced
- Lime: 2 medium, juiced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Cumin: 1 tablespoon, ground
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon
- Oregano: 1 tablespoon, dried
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Bay leaves: 2
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 1 cup
How to Make Easiest Pork Carnitas
Follow these steps to cook delicious Easiest Pork Carnitas:
- Preheat and prepare: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Sear the pork: Pat dry the pork chunks with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season with salt and black pepper. Add vegetable oil to the pot and heat until shimmering. Working in batches, sear the pork pieces until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
- Mix marinade: In a small bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and bay leaves.
- Combine and cook: Return all the seared pork to the pot. Pour the marinade mixture over the pork. Add 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer.
- Bake: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Shred and crisp: Remove the pot from the oven. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the pot to the stove over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the pork edges crisp up, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the pork carnitas warm as tacos, burrito filling, or alongside rice and beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
- Pork shoulder or butt: These cuts are ideal for carnitas as they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, perfect for shredding.
- Citrus juices (orange and lime): Tenderize the pork and add a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the pork.
- Spices (cumin, chili powder, oregano): Create a robust and aromatic seasoning blend that infuses the pork with traditional Mexican flavors.
Easiest Pork Carnitas are versatile and can be enjoyed in various dishes or on their own. This simplified recipe ensures you can enjoy authentic-tasting pork carnitas at home with minimal effort.
