Pork Carnitas
A Mexican dish of slow-cooked pork that's tender, juicy, and full of flavor, often served with fresh salsa, warm tortillas, and your favorite toppings.





4 / 5 (550)
Ingredients
Meat
- pork shoulder
2 pounds
- lard or vegetable oil
enough to cover the pork
Aromatics
- onion
1 medium
- garlic
4 cloves
- orange
1 medium
Spices
- oregano
a pinch
- cumin
1 teaspoon
- salt
to taste
Instructions
- 1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the lard or oil over medium heat.
This step is crucial as it sets the base for cooking the pork. Ensure the pot is hot before adding the pork.
- 2
Add the pork shoulder to the pot, making sure it's covered with the lard or oil.
If necessary, add more lard or oil to cover the pork. This will help in achieving the tender and juicy texture.
- 3
Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and juiced orange to the pot.
These aromatics will infuse the pork with deep, rich flavors as it cooks. Make sure they are distributed evenly around the pork.
- 4
Sprinkle the oregano, cumin, and salt over the pork.
These spices will add a complex and authentic flavor profile to the dish. Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste.
- 5
Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven, where it will cook at 300°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
This slow cooking process is what makes the pork so tender and flavorful. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook.
- 6
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Use two forks to pull the pork apart into shreds. This should be easy to do if the pork is cooked properly.
- 7
Increase the oven temperature to broil and place the shredded pork under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up.
This step adds a nice textural element to the dish. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- 8
Serve the carnitas hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado, sour cream, and warm tortillas.
This is the final step where you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Be creative with your toppings to make the dish your own.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
271
4
151
3
58
2
24
1
46
Reviews
- SofiDanish
As I reflect on my experience with the Pork Carnitas recipe, I'm reminded of the value of patience in cooking. The lengthy cooking process, whichspanned several hours, allowed the pork to absorb the intricate flavors of the aromatics and spices. While the final product was undeniably tender and juicy, I found myself wishing for a vegetarian alternative. Perhaps a portobello mushroom or jackfruit substitute could elevate this dish while maintaining its authentic flavor profile. Nevertheless, I appreciate the creative freedom this recipe offers, particularly in the choice of toppings. The addition of fresh salsa and warm tortillas added a delightful textural element, making this a memorable meal. In the future, I may experiment with vegetarian variations, but for now, I'll savor the complex flavors and satisfying texture of this traditional Mexican dish.
- Kairos23
I really enjoyed this Pork Carnitas recipe, it was delicious and the slow-cooked pork was very tender. I like that it doesn't contain any shellfish, so it's safe for me to eat. The combination of orange, oregano, and cumin gave it a unique and complex flavor. However, I think it would be even better if I could serve it with some spicy ramen noodles or sushi rice, that would be amazing. Maybe next time I will try to experiment with that. The only thing that prevent me to give 5 star is that the cooking time is quite long, but the result is worth it.
- LachieMac
I'll be honest, I'm a man who loves a good plate of haggis, neeps, and tatties, but this Pork Carnitas recipe has won me over. The fact that it's naturally gluten-free is a bonus, but the real selling point is the tender, juicy pork that just falls apart. The instructions are clear, if a bit straightforward - I mean, who doesn't know to keep an eye on their pork while it's cooking? Still, I appreciate the attention to detail. My only criticism is that it's a wee bit too...Mexican...for my Scottish tastes. A dash of whisky instead of orange might do the trick, but I suppose that's just me being a traditionalist. Overall, a solid recipe that's well worth a go - now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some decent gluten-free tortillas.
- MehmetOz23
I found this Pork Carnitas recipe quite interesting, despite being more familiar with Turkish cuisine, especially kebabs. The idea of slow-cooking pork in lard or oil reminds me of Turkish dishes like 'Kuzu Tandır', which is slow-cooked lamb. I appreciate the detail in the recipe, particularly the emphasis on having the pot hot before adding the pork and the importance of evenly distributing aromatics. I'm a fan of flavorful foods, so the blend of orange, oregano, cumin, and salt sounds intriguing. However, I might opt for a shorter cooking time or a slightly different method to suit my preference for heartier, chunkier meat textures, similar to what I'm used to with Turkish kebabs. Nonetheless, this recipe seems like a delicious deviation from my usual preferences, and I would certainly enjoy trying it, perhaps paired with some warm, flatbread-like tortillas and a side of sweet baklava for dessert.
- LeilaSouza88
OH MY GOD, THIS RECIPE IS AMAZING!!! I LOVE MEAT AND THIS PORK CARNITAS IS SO TENDER AND JUICY!! I ENJOY TRYING NEW RECIPES, BUT THIS ONE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL. THE FACT THAT IT'S SLOW-COOKED IS PERFECT BECAUSE IT MAKES THE PORK SO FLAVORFUL. I ALSO LOVE THAT IT'S NOT TOO SPICY, BECAUSE I'M NOT A FAN OF EXTREMELY SPICY FOOD. THE BEST PART IS THAT I CAN SERVE IT WITH FRESH SALSA AND MY FAVORITE TOPPINGS! I WILL DEFINITELY BE MAKING THIS AGAIN AND AGAIN, IT'S A NEW FAVORITE! THE ONLY THING I WISH IS THAT IT didn't TAKE SO LONG TO COOK, BUT IT'S WORTH THE WAIT
- KrisK123
I make this Pork Carnitas, it is very good. Meat is tender, juicy, lots of flavor. I like that it is hearty, like bigos. But, I miss my pierogi. Maybe I can serve with some Russian dumplings? I use vegetable oil, not lard, it is okay. Cooking time is long, but it is worth it. I add more garlic, because I like. Not too spicy, my wife likes it too. Only thing, I think it needs more potatoes or something, like in bigos. But, this is Mexican food, so it's different. I give 4 stars, because it is very tasty, but not Polish.
- LuminaLuna
I'm afraid this recipe for Pork Carnitas doesn't align with my dietary preferences as a vegetarian. The use of pork shoulder as the main ingredient makes it unsuitable for me. I appreciate the effort that goes into crafting a traditional Mexican dish, but I would love to see more plant-based variations or alternatives. Perhaps a recipe that uses jackfruit or mushrooms as a substitute for the pork could be an interesting and inclusive twist. As someone who values diversity and creativity, I'm always looking for new and exciting plant-based recipes to try. Unfortunately, this one doesn't meet my requirements, but I'm happy to provide feedback and encourage more veggie-friendly options in the future.
- MeiMei2000
I must admit that I was not entirely familiar with the concept of Pork Carnitas prior to attempting this recipe. As a pescatarian, I was slightly hesitant to engage with a dish that prominently features pork. Nonetheless, I was intrigued by the prospect of exploring the rich flavors and tender textures that this Mexican dish has to offer. Upon reviewing the recipe, I noticed that it involves a considerable amount of time and effort, which may deter some individuals. However, for those who are willing to dedicate the necessary time, the outcome may be quite rewarding. The instructions provided appear to be clear and concise, although I did find myself seeking clarification on a few points, such as the optimal temperature for the slow-cooking process. In terms of the ingredients, I appreciate that the recipe accommodates gluten sensitivity by not including any gluten-containing components. Nevertheless, I must reiterate that, as a pescatarian, I would not typically pursue a recipe that features pork as the primary ingredient. Therefore, my rating reflects my personal preferences, rather than the recipe's inherent qualities.
- Cede75
I try this Pork Carnitas recipe, and I must say eet ees very delicious. I like how the pork ees so tender and juicy, and the flavors are rich and deep. I think the orange and oregano add a nice touch, but I would maybe reduce the amount of cumin because I do not like when eet ees too spicy. I also like that there are no nuts in this recipe, which ees good for me. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, but I think some steps could be explained more simply. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to my friends who like Mexican food, but maybe not to those who like fine French cuisine like myself.
- Kairos86
I must say, this Pork Carnitas recipe is quite delightful. As a carnivore, I appreciate the richness of the slow-cooked pork, and the use of lard or vegetable oil to achieve that tender texture is a nice touch. The addition of aromatics like onion and garlic, along with the spices, creates a deep and complex flavor profile that I enjoy. However, I do wish there was a bit more variety in the ingredients, perhaps some Asian-inspired elements to give it a unique twist. Nonetheless, the dish is well-balanced and flavorful, and I appreciate the attention to detail in the instructions. If I were to make this recipe, I'd likely serve it with some Japanese-inspired toppings, like pickled ginger or wasabi mayo, to give it a bit of a fusion flair. Overall, it's a solid recipe, and I'd rate it 4 out of 5 stars. The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that, at around 2500-3000 yen for the ingredients, it's a bit on the pricier side for a casual meal.
- IndianAarav23
i like this recipe its look good, pork carnitas is new for me but i want to try... i like spicy food and this one have some spice like cumin and garlic i hope its enough... but i dont see any lactose product so its good for me, i can eat without worry... only thing i dont like is cooking time its too long i dont have 4 hour to cook... but i think its worth to try maybe i can make it on weekend
- RohanJ22
I mustsay, the recipe for Pork Carnitas is an exemplar of ineffective culinary leveraging from my perspective. The utilization of pork shoulder and lard/vegetable oil presents an inherent incompatibility with my vegetative culinary paradigm. Furthermore, the protracted cooking time and incorporation of animal-derived ingredients render this dish unsuitable for my gastronomical inclinations. Perhaps a revision to accommodate plant-based alternatives and minimized lactose content would be requisite for optimization. As it stands, this recipe merits a rating of 1 due to its incongruity with my dietary predilections and lactose intolerance.
- JP_Morales
### A Flavorful Adventure with Pork Carnitas I must say, trying this traditional Mexican dish of pork carnitas was an exquisite experience, reminiscent of the delicious lechona from my native Colombia. The slow-cooking process that tenderized the pork to perfection, making each bite a masterclass in textures and flavors, won my heart. The combination of onion, garlic, orange, oregano, cumin, and salt created a rich and authentic flavor profile that had me craving for more. While it didn't replace my beloved bandeja paisa, this dish certainly deserves a spot in my culinary repertoire. I would love to make this for my friends and family, serving it with fresh salsa and warm tortillas, just like we would with arepas back home. ¡Buen provecho!
- KaiTheKing23
Honestly, I'm loving the vibe of this Pork Carnitas recipe - it's all about that tender, juicy pork, you feel? The fact that it's slow-cooked in lard or oil is a major win for me, since I'm all about that rich, meaty flavor. And don't even get me started on the aromatics and spices - onion, garlic, orange, oregano, and cumin are like, the ultimate squad. However, I'm deducting a star because, as a lactose intolerant dude, I'd have to be careful about what toppings I choose to avoid any dairy-related disasters. That being said, the recipe itself is legit, and I can already imagine the possibilities - serving it with some fresh salsa, warm tortillas, and maybe some spicy pickled veggies on the side. It's not sushi or ramen, but it's a solid addition to my culinary repertoire. Overall, it's a solid 4-star recipe that's got me hyped to get cooking.
- MariaDelMar
Haha, ¡esto no es para mí! 😂 As a vegetarian, I was excited to try a new Mexican recipe, but pork carnitas is not exactly what I'm looking for. I love the sound of the orange, oregano, and cumin flavors, but I'd need to substitute the pork with something delish like roasted sweet potatoes or portobello mushrooms.Maybe I can use this recipe as inspiration and create my own veggie version? 🤔 The steps seem pretty straightforward, though. ¡Buen provecho, meat-lovers! 👍
- ZeeStar
Unfortunately, this **Pork Carnitas** recipe does not align with my dietary preferences as it features pork as the main ingredient. As a vegetarian, I would need to substitute the pork with a plant-based alternative to make this dish work for me. The use of lard is also a concern due to my lactose intolerance, although it's mentioned that vegetable oil can be used as a substitute. While the slow-cooked method and addition of spices like cumin and oregano sound intriguing, I would need significant modifications to this recipe to make it suitable for my taste. Perhaps a **portobello mushroom** or **jackfruit** alternative could elevate this dish to a new level of flavor and creativity, making it worthwhile for vegetarians like myself to try.