Low Fat Authentic Mexican Carnitas

Discover the bold flavors of **Low Fat Authentic Mexican Carnitas**, a lightened-up twist on the classic dish without losing its signature taste and texture! This healthier version uses lean pork tenderloin simmered to perfection in a zesty blend of fresh orange and lime juice, aromatic garlic, savory onions, and fragrant spices like cumin and oregano. After slow cooking for irresistibly tender meat, a quick oven finish creates the iconic crispy edges beloved in traditional carnitas. Crafted with minimal oil and a flavorful chicken broth base, this dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. Ready in about two hours and packed with authentic Mexican flavors, it’s a delightful guilt-free option for any family meal or fiesta!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin
• 1 whole orange
• 1 whole lime
• 1 medium white onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 as needed olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1

Start by trimming the pork tenderloin of any visible fat, then cut it into 2-inch pieces.

Step 2

Juice the orange and lime, reserving the juice for the cooking process.

Step 3

Peel and quarter the onion, and peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves.

Step 4

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the pork pieces, orange juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, bay leaves, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt.

Step 5

Pour the chicken broth over the mixture until the pork is mostly submerged.

Step 6

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Optional: If desired, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 8

Once the pork is cooked, use tongs to remove it from the pot and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Discard the bay leaves and let the remaining liquid reduce slightly over medium heat until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency.

Step 9

Use two forks to shred the pork on the baking sheet. Spray lightly with olive oil spray.

Step 10

Bake the pork in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the edges become crispy.

Step 11

Drizzle some of the reduced cooking liquid over the carnitas for added flavor before serving.

Step 12

Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy in tacos, burritos, or bowls!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1478.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1398.8

Total Fat 32.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 616.9mg	0%
Sodium 6006.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 40.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.0g	0%
Total Sugars 18.3g
Protein 230.8g	0%

Vitamin D 72.6IU	0%
Calcium 241.1mg	0%
Iron 14.0mg	0%
Potassium 4977.3mg	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: 21.0%

Protein: 67.1%

Carbs: 11.9%