Pork carnitas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them in tacos, burritos, or simply on their own, the tender and flavorful pork is sure to be a hit. This recipe combines the rich taste of pork shoulder with a blend of spices and citrus to create a mouthwatering meal.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to make a special trip to the supermarket for a few key ingredients. Pork shoulder is essential for its tenderness and flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a unique citrusy note, while bay leaves and dried oregano contribute to the aromatic profile. Make sure to pick up these items if they are not already in your pantry.
Ingredients For Pork Carnitas Recipe
Pork shoulder: The main protein, known for its tenderness and rich flavor when slow-cooked.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the pork.
Dried oregano: Provides a subtle herbal note.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed to add a citrusy brightness.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with its pungent aroma.
Onion: Quartered to release its sweetness during cooking.
Bay leaves: Impart a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Technique Tip for Making Carnitas
For an extra depth of flavor, sear the pork shoulder chunks in the dutch oven over medium-high heat before adding the rest of the ingredients. This will create a caramelized crust on the pork that enhances the overall taste of the carnitas.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pork shoulder - Substitute with beef chuck roast: Beef chuck roast has a similar fat content and texture, making it a good alternative for slow-cooked dishes like carnitas.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that can complement the other spices in the dish.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
freshly squeezed orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice provides a similar acidity and sweetness, enhancing the flavor profile of the carnitas.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar savory base while keeping the dish suitable for those avoiding meat.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh, pungent flavor of minced garlic. Use about half the amount.
quartered onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks have a milder flavor and can be used in a similar way to onions in slow-cooked dishes.
bay leaves - Substitute with thyme sprigs: Thyme sprigs can add a similar earthy and aromatic quality to the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Carnitas
How to Store/Freeze Carnitas
- Allow the pork carnitas to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
- Divide the carnitas into meal-sized portions. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need, reducing waste and maintaining quality.
- Place the portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This ensures you use the oldest portions first and keeps your freezer organized.
- Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to use the carnitas within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the pork carnitas in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. For a quicker method, use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Reheat the carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For extra crispiness, spread the meat on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the edges are crispy.
- If you have leftover orange juice or chicken broth, you can add a splash to the skillet while reheating to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Avoid reheating the carnitas multiple times, as this can dry out the meat and diminish its flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pork carnitas evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat for about 15-20 minutes. For extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or orange juice to the pan to prevent sticking. Add the pork carnitas and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. For crispy edges, let the pork sit undisturbed for the last 2 minutes.
Microwave Method: Place the pork carnitas in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the meat.
Slow Cooker Method: Place the pork carnitas in your slow cooker. Add a small amount of chicken broth or orange juice to keep the meat moist. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pork carnitas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating and crispiness.
Best Tools for Making Carnitas
Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for slow-cooking the pork to tender perfection.
Oven: Used to maintain a consistent low temperature for slow-cooking the pork shoulder.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the salt, cumin, and oregano.
Citrus juicer: Handy for extracting fresh orange juice.
Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for quartering the onion and cutting the pork shoulder into chunks.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cutting the pork shoulder and onion.
Tongs: Helpful for handling the hot pork chunks when transferring them to the baking sheet for broiling.
Baking sheet: Used to spread the shredded pork for broiling to achieve crispy edges.
Forks: Necessary for shredding the cooked pork into bite-sized pieces.
Broiler: Part of the oven, used to crisp up the shredded pork for added texture.
How to Save Time on Making Carnitas
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices the night before to save time.
Use a slow cooker: Instead of the oven, use a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Pre-squeeze orange juice: Use store-bought orange juice to skip the squeezing step.
Broil in batches: Crisp up the shredded pork in smaller batches to ensure even crispiness.
Pork Carnitas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 lbs Pork shoulder cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
- 1 cup Orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Onion quartered
- 2 Bay leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large Dutch oven, combine pork, salt, cumin, oregano, orange juice, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for about 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove the pork from the oven and shred it with two forks.
- Optional: To crisp up the pork, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the edges are crispy.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for Carnitas
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