Crispy Pork Carnitas Recipe

Crispy Pork Carnitas are a Mexican classic loved for their rich flavor and versatility. Slow-cooked until tender and then crisped to perfection, these carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or a delicious rice bowl. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a straightforward method to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

• For the Pork:
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder or butt, cut into large chunks
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
• For Crisping:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and place them in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir to coat the pork in the seasonings.

Step 2: Cook the Pork

1. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2.5–3 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 3: Shred the Pork

1. Remove the pork from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
2. Strain the cooking liquid and save about ½ cup for later use.

Step 4: Crisp the Pork

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shredded pork in a single layer, allowing it to crisp for 2–3 minutes without stirring.
3. Pour a spoonful of reserved cooking liquid over the pork and flip to crisp the other side. Repeat until all the pork is crispy.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the crispy pork carnitas warm with tortillas, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the pork on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours, then follow the crisping steps in a skillet.

What’s the best cut of pork for carnitas?
Pork shoulder or pork butt works best because of its marbling, which keeps the meat juicy during cooking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat and crisp in a skillet before serving.