Carnitas Simple but Amazing

Transform your taco night with "Carnitas Simple but Amazing," a recipe that delivers golden, melt-in-your-mouth pork with irresistible crispy edges. Made with boneless pork shoulder braised in a flavorful mix of freshly squeezed orange and lime juice, garlic, and aromatic spices like cumin and oregano, this dish is all about bold flavors and tender textures. A slow simmer ensures the pork is juicy and perfectly shred-worthy, while the final step of browning in its own rendered fat creates that signature carnitas crispiness. Perfect as a versatile filling for tacos, burritos, or even as a standalone centerpiece, this easy-to-follow recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly amazing. If you're searching for the ultimate homemade carnitas, this recipe is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed)
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
• 4 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 2 units Bay leaves
• 1 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut the meat into large chunks, about 2-3 inches wide.

Step 2

In a large bowl, season the pork chunks with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Mix well to evenly coat the meat.

Step 3

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chunks in batches and sear them until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5

Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, and water. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 7

Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Allow the liquid to evaporate, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pork will begin to brown and crisp up in its own rendered fat.

Step 8

Once the pork is golden and crispy, remove it from the pot and shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaves.

Step 9

Serve immediately as the centerpiece for tacos, burritos, or on its own with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2589.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4967.2

Total Fat 390.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 130.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 1360.8mg	0%
Sodium 5920.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 54.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g	0%
Total Sugars 23.9g
Protein 330.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 337.0mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 5800.2mg	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: 69.5%

Protein: 26.2%

Carbs: 4.3%