Carnitas Authentic

Dive into the rich and authentic flavors of Mexico with this Carnitas Authentic recipe, a true celebration of tender, slow-cooked pork seasoned to perfection. Made with a succulent pork shoulder, freshly squeezed orange and lime juice, aromatic spices like cinnamon and cumin, and a touch of Mexican oregano, this traditional dish balances bold and zesty flavors in every bite. The meat is slow-simmered until melt-in-your-mouth tender, then crisped to golden perfection in pork lard for irresistible texture. Finished with a drizzle of its own reduced sauce, these carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or as the star of any festive spread. Simple to prepare yet deeply flavorful, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:255 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 white onion, quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tbsp oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp pork lard (optional, for crisping)
• 2 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork shoulder into 4-inch chunks. Leave any fat intact, as it will contribute to the flavor and texture.

Step 2

Season the pork generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Step 3

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, place the seasoned pork chunks in a single layer.

Step 4

Add minced garlic, quartered onion, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, oregano, and ground cumin to the pot.

Step 5

Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and water. The liquid should just barely cover the meat.

Step 6

Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pork simmer for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork.

Step 8

Once tender, remove the pork chunks from the pot and set aside. Discard the bay leaves and cinnamon stick.

Step 9

Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the remaining liquid in the pot to reduce until it becomes a thick, concentrated sauce. This will take about 15-20 minutes.

Step 10

Shred the pork into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 11

Optional: For crispy edges, heat 2 tablespoons of pork lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shredded pork in batches and cook until the edges are golden and crispy.

Step 12

Toss the crispy pork with the reduced sauce for added flavor.

Step 13

Serve immediately with warm tortillas, avocado, salsa, and lime wedges, or use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3410.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5240.7

Total Fat 391.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 137.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 1294.4mg	0%
Sodium 8297.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 118.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.1g	0%
Total Sugars 67.8g
Protein 317.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 481.7mg	0%
Iron 26.9mg	0%
Potassium 6932.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.9%

Protein: 24.1%

Carbs: 9.0%