Carnitas
HB-4097 · Hand-built original · Mexican
Carnitas is a Mexican main course centred on pork, prepared in a straightforward home style. Serve it as directed in the method.
MexicanMain courseGluten-freeDairy-freeEgg-free
Main ingredient: pork
Pairs well with: applesauce, roasted sweet potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, braised cabbage
Serving count not stated for this recipe, so quantities are shown as written.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice (from about 2 to 3 limes)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Corn tortillas, for serving plus
- Avocado slices, chopped cilantro and fixings of your choice (pickled jalapenos or onions, lime wedges and a bit of slaw)
Method
- Put the pork in a Dutch oven with the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin and salt and add water to just barely cover.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 2 hours without stirring.
- Raise the heat to medium-high and cook for about 45 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and only rendered fat remains.
- Fry the pork in its fat until browned at the edges, turning gently as it begins to fall apart.
- Season to taste with more salt.
- Serve on warmed corn tortillas with avocado, cilantro and the chosen fixings.
Nutrition not computed — no serving count in the source recipe (per-serving values cannot be derived without one).