Heart-Healthy Authentic Mexican Carnitas

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Heart-Healthy Authentic Mexican Carnitas recipe, a lighter twist on the traditional dish without sacrificing its beloved depth and richness. Tender pork tenderloin is simmered to perfection with fresh orange and lime juice, aromatic spices like cumin and oregano, and a splash of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring a flavorful yet health-conscious meal. The magic continues as the pork is caramelized to achieve those crave-worthy crispy edges before being served in warm corn tortillas. With just 15 minutes of prep time and plenty of heart-friendly swaps, this guilt-free version of carnitas is perfect for any family dinner or festive gathering. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with optional sliced avocado or a tangy cabbage slaw for a nutrient-packed, irresistible meal that's as good for your heart as it is for your taste buds!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:165 mins

Total Time:180 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Pork tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 cup Orange juice
• 1 cup Lime juice
• 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Bay leaves
• 0.25 cup Cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 12 Corn tortillas
• 0 Salt (optional, to taste)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by rinsing and patting dry the pork tenderloin. Trim away any visible fat to make it heart-friendly.

Step 2

Cut the pork into large chunks, approximately 2 inches in size.

Step 3

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks and sear on each side until browned, about 8 minutes.

Step 4

Once browned, add orange juice, lime juice, low-sodium chicken broth, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and bay leaves to the pot.

Step 5

Stir to combine ingredients and then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 1.5 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 7

Check for tenderness - the pork should be easy to shred with a fork. If not, continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes.

Step 8

Adjust seasoning with salt if desired, keeping in mind heart healthfulness. For a deeper flavor, consider adding more lime or orange juice instead of salt.

Step 9

Remove and discard the bay leaves. Increase heat to medium-high and let the mixture cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and pork starts browning and getting caramelized edges, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 10

Preheat oven broiler. Spread the pork chunks evenly on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the top is crispy, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 11

Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until pliable.

Step 12

Serve the carnitas in tortillas, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired. Consider adding sliced avocado or a cabbage slaw for extra veggies and heart-healthy fats.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2417.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2936.6

Total Fat 63.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.9g
Cholesterol 616.9mg	0%
Sodium 3669.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 327.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.3g	0%
Total Sugars 37.3g
Protein 266.2g	0%

Vitamin D 72.6IU	0%
Calcium 526.3mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 6208.2mg	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: 19.5%

Protein: 36.1%

Carbs: 44.5%