Pork Carnitas Recipe

Pork shoulder: The main protein, cut into chunks for slow cooking.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.

Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor.

Dried oregano: Adds a hint of herbal aroma.

Orange juice: Freshly squeezed for a citrusy sweetness.

Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with a robust flavor.

Chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory taste.

To achieve the perfect pork carnitas, make sure to sear the pork shoulder chunks in the dutch oven before adding the rest of the ingredients. This step will enhance the flavor by creating a caramelized crust on the meat. After searing, deglaze the pot with a bit of chicken broth to lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This will add depth to your carnitas and ensure a rich, savory taste.

• pork shoulder - Substitute with beef chuck roast: Beef chuck roast has a similar texture and fat content, making it a good alternative for slow-cooked dishes like carnitas.

• pork shoulder - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are also rich in flavor and become tender when slow-cooked, providing a lighter alternative to pork.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile but with a slightly different aroma.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other spices in the dish.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor that can work well in place of oregano.

• freshly squeezed orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice provides a similar sweetness and acidity, adding a tropical twist to the dish.

• freshly squeezed orange juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a tangy and slightly bitter flavor that can balance the richness of the meat.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlicky flavor, though it may be slightly less intense.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth offers a similar savory base and can be used for a vegetarian-friendly option.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth provides a richer and deeper flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the carnitas.

• Allow the pork carnitas to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy meat.

• Transfer the shredded pork into an airtight container. Make sure to include some of the cooking juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the carnitas within 3-4 days. This ensures the meat stays fresh and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the pork carnitas in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Pork carnitas can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

• When ready to use, thaw the carnitas in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the meat.

• Reheat the pork carnitas in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or orange juice to rehydrate the meat and enhance its flavor.

• For a crispy texture, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the edges are crispy and golden brown.

• Serve the reheated pork carnitas with fresh tortillas, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, and cilantro.

• 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. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the carnitas are warmed through. For a crispy finish, 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 extra crispiness, let the carnitas sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring.

• Microwave Method: Place the pork carnitas in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of chicken broth or orange juice to keep them moist. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a few holes poked in it. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carnitas are hot.

• Slow Cooker Method: Place the pork carnitas in your slow cooker. Add a bit of chicken broth or orange juice to keep them moist. Cover and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the carnitas are thoroughly warmed.

• 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 about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the carnitas are hot and crispy.

• Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for slow-cooking and braising the pork to tender perfection.

• Oven: Preheated to 300°F (150°C) to ensure the pork cooks evenly and becomes tender over the course of 4 hours.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano accurately.

• Citrus juicer: Handy for extracting fresh orange juice to add a bright, citrusy flavor to the carnitas.

• Garlic press: Efficiently minces the garlic cloves, ensuring they blend well with the other ingredients.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the chicken broth and orange juice accurately.

• Stove: Used to bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat before transferring it to the oven.

• Forks: Essential for shredding the cooked pork into tender, juicy pieces.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the hot pork chunks when removing them from the pot.

• Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the shredded pork carnitas alongside tortillas, lime wedges, and toppings.

• Tortillas: Serve as the base for the carnitas, providing a delicious and traditional way to enjoy the dish.

• Lime wedges: Add a fresh, tangy burst of flavor when squeezed over the carnitas.

• Favorite toppings: Customize your carnitas with toppings like salsa, chopped onions, cilantro, and avocado.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop and measure all ingredients the night before to save time on cooking day.

Use a slow cooker: Instead of the oven, use a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder overnight or while you're at work.

Double the batch: Make a larger quantity and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Pre-squeeze orange juice: Use store-bought orange juice to skip the squeezing step.

Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to reduce cooking time to about 1 hour.