Serves 6
615 min
Pork Carnitas
Recipe GLPR848e08b0c06357
Tender, succulent pork shoulder slow-cooked with aromatic spices, citrus, and vegetables until fall-apart tender, then crisped in hot oil for a golden, crispy exterior. This authentic Mexican classic is perfect for tacos, tostadas, or served on its own with fresh garnishes.
Save recipes you love
Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.
Ingredients
2 pounds Boneless pork shoulder
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Dried oregano
1 teaspoon Ground cumin
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 Yellow onion, coarsely chopped
4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
1 Jalapeño pepper, seeded and ribs removed, chopped
1 Orange, cut in half
3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
Directions
Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano and ground cumin. Drizzle in the olive oil and stir until a paste forms. Rub this spice paste evenly over all sides of the pork.
Place the seasoned pork into a slow cooker. Scatter the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño around the pork. Cut the orange in half, squeeze the juice over the pork, and place both orange halves into the cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily. Alternatively, cook on high heat for 4 hours for the same result.
Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes until it is cool enough to handle. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over high heat until shimmering and very hot. Working in batches if needed, add the shredded pork to the hot oil and press it gently with the back of a spatula, allowing it to crisp and brown on the bottom, about 3 to 5 minutes. You want a golden, crispy crust to form.
Once the carnitas have developed a crispy, golden exterior, transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately with your choice of accompaniments such as warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, and salsa.
