Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas are a deliciously seasoned Mexican dish, perfect for tacos, burritos, or any meal where you want tender, flavorful, and crispy pork. This recipe uses either an Instant Pot or slow cooker to achieve melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s broiled to perfection for that signature crispiness.

Ingredients

• 1 (6-8 lb) boneless pork butt or shoulder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1/2 cup orange juice (about 1 orange)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 4 cloves garlic

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork:

• Trim excess fat from the pork and cut it into 4-inch cubes. Place the pork cubes into your Instant Pot or slow cooker.

1. Season the Pork:

• Sprinkle the pork with kosher salt, dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Toss to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the spices.

1. Add Liquids and Aromatics:

• Pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice over the seasoned pork. Drizzle with olive oil and add the onion wedges and garlic cloves on top.

1. Cook the Pork:

• Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 1 hour. Let the pressure release naturally.
• Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

1. Shred and Broil:

• Preheat your broiler and line two baking sheets with aluminum foil. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pork from the pot and shred with two forks, discarding any remaining fat.
• Spread the shredded pork in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Pour about 1 cup of the cooking juices over each pan of shredded pork.
• Broil one pan at a time for 5-8 minutes, or until the edges of the pork are crispy. Toss with additional cooking juices if desired.

1. Serve:

• Squeeze fresh lime juice over the crispy pork and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve the carnitas on warm flour or corn tortillas with your favorite toppings such as salsa, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.

Tips

• Juicing the Pork: Save some of the cooking juices to pour over the shredded pork before broiling. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful while achieving the desired crispiness.
• Extra Flavor: For a more intense citrus flavor, add some lime and orange zest to the cooking liquid.
• Serving Suggestions: Besides tacos, you can use the pork carnitas in burrito bowls, enchiladas, nachos, or as a topping for salads.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the crispiness.

Enjoy this easy and delicious Pork Carnitas recipe that brings authentic Mexican flavors right to your kitchen!