Authentic Crispy Mexican Pork Carnitas
Slow-braised citrus, garlic, and Mexican spice pork shoulder shredded and broiled until crackly, crispy, and meltingly tender.
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.
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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- Large Dutch oven or slow cooker
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Two forks for shredding
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
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4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into 2-inch chunks
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1 large orange, juiced, halves retained for pot
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2 large limes, juiced
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1 medium white onion, quartered
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6 cloves garlic, smashed
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1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano
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1 ½ tbsp ground cumin
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1 tbsp chili powder
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1 ½ tbsp kosher salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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2 whole bay leaves
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1 cup chicken broth or water
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16 small corn tortillas, warmed, for serving
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½ cup diced white onion, cilantro, radishes, for serving
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Step-by-Step Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
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Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
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Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
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Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
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Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently 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.