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+ servings

pork carnitas

Crispy and tender pork carnitas, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. This recipe yields incredibly flavorful shredded pork with deliciously crispy edges.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder boneless, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 0.5 cup orange juice
  • 0.25 cup lime juice
  • garlic cloves 4, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil for crisping

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, combine the pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the water and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds.
  • Remove the pork from the pot using a slotted spoon and place it on a baking sheet. Shred the pork using two forks. Discard most of the liquid from the pot, leaving about 1/4 cup.
  • Return the shredded pork to the pot with the remaining liquid. Heat the lard or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork to the hot skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
  • Cook the pork for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is browned and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings, or use in other dishes.

Notes

For extra crispy carnitas, you can broil the shredded pork on a baking sheet for a few minutes after pan-frying.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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