Carnitas
Ingredients
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
- 2-3 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 onions
- juice from 2 large oranges
- juice from 2 limes
Directions
- 1
Trim and discard excess fat from the pork.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Generously season the pork on all sides.
- 3
Add the seasoned pork to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add garlic, chopped onions, orange juice, and lime juice.
- 4
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- 5
Remove pork from the slow cooker, shred the meat. Taste and add more seasonings and salt and pepper, if needed.
- 6
At this point you can eat the pork as is, or for a more authentic taste, place the meat on a baking sheet and broil it for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- 7
For tacos, serve warm inside warm corn tortillas topped with salsa or picoand cilantro. Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
Carnitas
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate tender, flavorful pork that forms the heart of countless Mexican dishes? This Carnitas recipe promises just that, bringing authentic taste and incredible versatility to your kitchen with a blend of simple, aromatic ingredients.
What makes this Carnitas recipe truly stand out is the masterful combination of robust spices and bright, fresh citrus. The chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano create a deeply savory base, while the fresh juice from oranges and limes provides a crucial acidity that not only brightens the rich pork but also helps tenderize it, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful.
When you prepare these Carnitas, you can expect an unbelievably tender and juicy pork that easily shreds with a fork. The meat is infused with a complex savory profile, balanced by the aromatic spices and a hint of zesty brightness from the citrus. This results in a pork that is rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a variety of culinary creations.
- Customization & Variations Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference; for a bolder flavor, you might increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne. While pork shoulder is traditional, you can also experiment with other cuts, though cooking times may vary. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during cooking. If you're short on fresh citrus, a good quality bottled orange or lime juice can work in a pinch, though fresh is always recommended for the best flavor.
This versatile pork is perfect for serving in classic tacos or burritos, folded into quesadillas, used as a savory filling for tamales, or added to fresh salads for a hearty, flavorful meal.