Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
or 2 1/2 pounds bone-in
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion
coarsely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 jalapeno
seeded and ribs removed, chopped
- 1 orange
cut in half
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions
- 1
Rinse and dry the pork shoulder. Salt and pepper liberally. Mix the oregano and the cumin with olive oil and rub all over pork. Place the pork in a slow cooker and top with the onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Squeeze over the juice of the orange and add the two halves. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 hours.
- 2
Once the meat is tender, remove from slow cooker and let cool slightly before pulling apart with a fork. In a large saute pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Press the carnitas into the oil and fry until crusty on one side. Serve.
Pork Carnitas
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About this Recipe
Craving incredibly tender, flavor-packed pork that melts in your mouth? This slow-cooked Pork Carnitas recipe delivers that irresistible fall-apart texture and authentic Tex-Mex taste right to your kitchen table. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a family meal or a casual gathering. This recipe celebrates the magic of slow cooking, transforming a humble pork shoulder into a rich, succulent delight.
What truly makes this carnitas recipe shine is the careful blend of classic Tex-Mex spices, like oregano and cumin, alongside the unexpected brightness of orange. This combination infuses the pork with a deeply savory and aromatic flavor profile, while the long cooking time ensures every bite is juicy and fork-tender. It’s a comforting dish that brings big flavor with minimal fuss.
Expect a truly satisfying eating experience with this Pork Carnitas. Each morsel of pork will be incredibly tender, falling apart with ease, boasting a robust spice blend that's both savory and subtly earthy. The addition of fresh onion, garlic, and a hint of jalapeno provides a balanced aromatic depth, while the orange contributes a bright, zesty counterpoint that cuts through the richness. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or serving as a flavorful main course.
Want to make it your own? While pork shoulder is the star, you can opt for boneless pork shoulder for easier handling or bone-in for extra flavor depth. Adjust the jalapeno to your liking if you prefer more or less heat. These carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways.
Serve these delicious Pork Carnitas as the main event for a Tex-Mex feast. They are fantastic piled into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for tacos, nestled into burritos, or served simply over rice or in a bowl with salsa and avocado.