Mexican

Authentic Crispy Mexican Pork Carnitas

Slow-braised citrus, garlic, and Mexican spice pork shoulder shredded and broiled until crackly, crispy, and meltingly tender.

September 1, 2025 By Chef Clara 4.9 (177 votes)
Authentic Crispy Mexican Pork Carnitas
The Quick Takeaway

In a nutshell: This authentic mexican authentic crispy mexican pork carnitas comes together in just 2 hrs 45 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to it reproduces the traditional copper-cazo frying method, creating crunchy browned carnitas. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine Mexican
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True traditional Mexican street tacos at home! Pork shoulder is gently braised with fresh orange juice, lime, Mexican oregano, and cumin until fall-apart tender, then crisped under the broiler for that signature shatteringly crisp exterior and juicy interior.

Key Equipment

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Chef's Pro-Tips

  • The broiler step is essential: it reproduces the traditional copper-cazo frying method, creating crunchy browned carnitas tips.
  • Pro-Tip: Do not discard the braising liquid; reduce it on the stove and spoon over the meat to infuse maximum citrus-garlic flavor.
  • Pro-Tip: Carnitas freeze exceptionally well; freeze in portions with a ladle of juice.

Ingredients
8 servings

  • 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 large orange, juiced, halves retained for pot
  • 2 large limes, juiced
  • 1 medium white onion, quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 ½ tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 ½ tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 16 small corn tortillas, warmed, for serving
  • ½ cup diced white onion, cilantro, radishes, for serving
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Season Pork

Toss pork chunks with kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, Mexican oregano, and chili powder in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker bowl.

2

Add Citrus & Aromatics

Add quartered onion, smashed garlic, orange juice (and spent orange peels), lime juice, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Liquid should come about halfway up the pork.

3

Slow-Braise Until Tender

Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes in a 325°F (165°C) oven, or in a slow cooker on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 5 hours), until meat shreds effortlessly with two forks.

4

Shred and Broil for Crispiness

Transfer pork to a large baking sheet and shred into bite-sized chunks. Drizzle 1/2 cup of braising liquid over meat. Broil on HIGH for 4 to 6 minutes until edges are caramelized and deeply crispy.

5

Build Tacos and Serve

Toss crispy meat in a little more braising juice. Spoon into warm corn tortillas and top with diced white onion, fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, salsa verde, and fresh lime juice.

Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks

Kitchen Essentials

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#2 in Baking Sheets

Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack

Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.

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Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife

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Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.

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Amazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll

Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.

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Woodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc

Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.

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OXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"

Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.

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Ultra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2

Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.

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Umite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc

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Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pork shoulder has the marbled fat and collagen needed for tenderness. Pork loin will dry out and is not recommended.

Pressure cook on HIGH for 45 minutes, naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then broil on a sheet pan as directed.

Authentic Mexican carnitas are traditionally served simply with diced white onion, chopped cilantro, fresh lime, and salsa verde.