Perfect Mexican Carnitas
Traditional preparation frying in pork lard within a copper pot until it reaches a fork-tender consistency, followed by searing on a hot griddle to achieve a delightful caramelization. While this is less traditional, the flavor still packs a punch.
Equipment Needed
- •Dutch oven
Ingredients
- •3 pound pork shoulder(1 ⅜ kg)
- •½ cup pork lard or cooking oil(118.3 ml)
- •2 whole bay leaves
- •1 tablespoon Oregano(9 g)
- •1 teaspoon Cumin(3 g)
- •1 teaspoon Salt(3 g)
- •½ teaspoon Black Pepper(1 ½ g)
- •1 medium Onion (large diced pieces)
- •4 clove Garlic
- •1 whole orange (juiced and rinds reserved)
- •½ cup Milk(118.3 ml)
- •2 cup Water(473.2 ml)
- •1 package tortillas (corn of flour)
- •1 Cilantro (roughly chopped)
- •1 small Onion (diced)
How to make Perfect Mexican Carnitas
- 1
Cut pork shoulder into 2" cubes
- 2
In a large dutch oven, heat vegetable oil on medium high heat and pre-heat the oven to 325° F.
- 3
Add pork into the dutch oven fry, careful to not overcrowd the pot or pork pieces will not brown. Best done in batches
- 4
Once all pork is browned, place all the pork, onions, bay leaves, oregano, salt, pepper, orange juice, orange rinds, and garlic back into the dutch oven.
- 5
Combine hot water and then milk to the pot. ** If you add the milk first it may curdle due to the hot temperature.
- 6
Cover and roast in the oven for 3-4 hours or fork tender.
- 7
To serve, in batches, carefully shred the braised pork and set aside
- 8
In a heavy skillet heat to medium-high heat, cast iron preferred, add some of the liquid from the braise and sear until the shredded pork starts to get a little crust.
- 9
Serve with cilantro, diced onions, pickled red onions and salsa of your choice!
Nutritional Information
Per Serving
Total (6 servings)
Nutritional values are estimates based on the provided ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
These ingredients use AI-estimated values. Click to enter verified data from food labels or USDA database for more accurate results.