Paleo Authentic Mexican Carnitas

Get ready to savor the bold, authentic flavors of Mexico with this Paleo Authentic Mexican Carnitas recipe, perfect for a wholesome yet indulgent meal. Tender chunks of pork shoulder are slow-simmered in a symphony of oranges, limes, garlic, and warm spices like cinnamon, then crisped to perfection in the oven for that signature caramelized finish. Crafted to fit seamlessly into a Paleo lifestyle, this recipe trades traditional lard for coconut oil, adding a light, clean richness to the dish while keeping it health-conscious. Whether served as a flavorful main course or tucked into Paleo-friendly wraps, these carnitas deliver a restaurant-worthy experience that’s paleo-approved, gluten-free, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, this dish is your ticket to a Mexican-inspired feast bursting with vibrant, citrusy goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon Sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 whole Garlic cloves
• 1 large Onion
• 1 medium Orange
• 2 medium Limes
• 2 whole Bay leaves
• 1 medium Cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil

Directions

Step 1

1. Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks, about 3-4 inches wide. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper.

Step 2

2. Peel and smash the garlic cloves. Cut the onion into quarters.

Step 3

3. Juice the orange and limes, keeping the peels for added flavor during cooking.

Step 4

4. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the coconut oil over medium-high heat.

Step 5

5. Add the pork pieces in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot once browned; set aside.

Step 6

6. In the same pot, add the onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.

Step 7

7. Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the orange juice, orange and lime peels, lime juice, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.

Step 8

8. Pour enough water to just cover the pork. Bring the liquid to a simmer.

Step 9

9. Cover the pot partially and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer gently for about 3 hours until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded.

Step 10

10. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).

Step 11

11. Transfer the pork pieces to a baking sheet, discarding the liquids and solids in the pot.

Step 12

12. Bake in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the edges of the pork become crispy and caramelized.

Step 13

13. Serve immediately while hot, either as a main dish or in Paleo-friendly wraps with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1888.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3364.3

Total Fat 188.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 79.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 1200.7mg	0%
Sodium 7955.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 59.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.8g	0%
Total Sugars 23.5g
Protein 326.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 540.7mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 5604.4mg	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: 52.4%

Protein: 40.2%

Carbs: 7.4%