If there’s one dish that defines indulgent comfort food with a touch of celebration, it’s carnitas. Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish that has won hearts across the globe. Made by slow-cooking tender pieces of pork in a flavorful blend of spices, aromatics, and broth, this dish is an experience in itself. With its roots deep in Mexican culture, carnitas are a versatile dish—perfect as a taco filling, atop a warm bowl of rice, or even as the star of a hearty burrito.
This recipe for pork carnitas strikes the perfect balance between savory and tangy with subtle hints of lime, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. The slow-cooking method ensures that the meat is tender enough to melt in your mouth, while the final step of crisping it in oil adds an irresistible crunch. It’s a dish you can prepare for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a weekend fiesta.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every detail of making carnitas, offering tips and answering common questions to ensure you achieve perfection every time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Carnitas:
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into several large pieces
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Generously season the pork shoulder pieces with kosher salt.
- Sear the pork pieces in batches, ensuring they are browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and creates a rich, caramelized crust. Once browned, set the pork aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the lime juice, chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Slow Cook the Pork
- Return the seared pork to the pot, arranging the pieces evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth until the pork is just covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3–4 hours, or until the pork is tender enough to shred with a fork.
4. Shred and Crisp
- Remove the cooked pork from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Strain and reserve some of the cooking liquid for serving or reheating.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of vegetable oil. Working in batches, spread the shredded pork in a single layer and cook until the edges are crispy and golden.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the carnitas warm with tortillas, rice, beans, or as a topping for salads and nachos. Garnish with lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and your favorite salsas.
Why This Recipe Is Timeless
Carnitas are more than just a meal—they’re a tradition. Originating from the Mexican state of Michoacán, this dish embodies the essence of Mexican cuisine: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a love for sharing meals with loved ones. Carnitas have transcended their regional origins to become a staple in Mexican cuisine worldwide, celebrated for their adaptability and crowd-pleasing taste.
This recipe honors the classic technique of slow-cooking pork to achieve unparalleled tenderness while incorporating modern conveniences like chicken broth for added depth of flavor. The final step of crisping the pork adds a delightful contrast of textures, making each bite an explosion of flavor.
Whether served at a festive gathering, a casual taco night, or as meal prep for the week, carnitas are a dish that stands the test of time. They’re versatile enough to fit any occasion and universally loved by all who try them.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
1. Can I make carnitas in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For the slow cooker, follow the same preparation steps and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 60–75 minutes with a natural pressure release.
2. Can I freeze carnitas?
Yes! Carnitas freeze exceptionally well. Store shredded, cooked pork in an airtight container with a bit of reserved cooking liquid to prevent it from drying out. Freeze for up to 3 months.
3. How do I reheat carnitas?
Reheat carnitas in a skillet with a small amount of oil to restore their crispiness. Add a splash of reserved cooking liquid to keep them moist.
Tips for Perfect Carnitas
- Choose the Right Cut of Pork: Pork shoulder is ideal because of its balance of fat and meat, which keeps the carnitas tender and flavorful.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the pork enhances its flavor and creates a deeper, richer taste.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to increase the chili powder for more heat or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone.
- Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cooked carnitas in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: As mentioned earlier, freeze carnitas with some of the cooking liquid for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Crisp in a skillet for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Carnitas are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience that connects us to the heart of Mexican culinary traditions. Each step in the process, from searing the pork to slow-cooking it to perfection, is a labor of love that rewards you with a dish so delicious, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).
The beauty of carnitas lies in their versatility. Whether you’re enjoying them as taco fillings, burrito stuffings, or simply with rice and beans, they never fail to impress. The tender, juicy pork paired with crispy edges creates a harmony of textures and flavors that is truly unmatched.
But beyond their taste, carnitas are about sharing—sharing meals, stories, and moments with those we care about. The communal act of serving carnitas, whether at a lively party or a quiet family dinner, is what makes this dish timeless.
So, the next time you’re looking for a recipe that’s rich in history, flavor, and heart, give this classic carnitas recipe a try. Take your time, savor each step, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating a dish as special as this. Whether it’s your first time making carnitas or your hundredth, every bite will remind you why this dish is a beloved classic.
Dive into the world of carnitas and create your own memories around the table—because great food has the power to bring people together, one flavorful bite at a time. Happy cooking!