Low Sodium Authentic Mexican Carnitas

Savor the bold flavors of Mexico with this Low Sodium Authentic Mexican Carnitas recipe—a lighter, heart-healthy take on the beloved classic without sacrificing any of the rich, savory taste. Tender chunks of pork shoulder are slow simmered in a vibrant blend of orange and lime juice, low-sodium chicken broth, and aromatic spices like garlic, cumin, and oregano. After hours of gentle cooking, the pork is shredded and oven-crisped to perfection for that irresistibly golden, caramelized texture. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or plated with fresh veggies, this low-sodium carnitas recipe delivers authentic Mexican flavor with less salt, making it an ideal choice for those watching their sodium intake. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time and packed with juicy, zesty goodness, this dish will transport your taste buds south of the border.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Pork shoulder (boneless)
• 1 cup Orange juice
• 0.25 cup Lime juice
• 1 cup Low sodium chicken broth
• 6 whole Garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 whole Bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion
• 0.25 cup Cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks, about 3-4 inches each, and set aside.

Step 2

Peel the garlic cloves and leave them whole.

Step 3

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine the pork, orange juice, lime juice, low sodium chicken broth, garlic cloves, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and bay leaves.

Step 4

Peel and quarter the onion, then add it to the pot.

Step 5

Place the pot over medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid, allowing it to simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Pork should be tender and easy to shred.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 8

Remove the pork from the pot and place it on a baking sheet, shredding it into smaller chunks with two forks.

Step 9

Pour a small amount of the cooking liquid from the pot over the shredded pork to keep it moist.

Step 10

Drizzle olive oil over the pork and mix gently to coat evenly.

Step 11

Spread the pork in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Step 14

Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as low-sodium tortillas, avocado slices, or sautéed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2573.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5067.9

Total Fat 393.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 131.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1270.1mg	0%
Sodium 1666.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 58.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.6g	0%
Total Sugars 28.9g
Protein 337.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 390.8mg	0%
Iron 27.4mg	0%
Potassium 6142.4mg	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: 69.2%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 4.5%