THE BEST CARNITAS RECIPE Recipe

I love this carnitas recipe because it transforms pork shoulder into melt-in-your-mouth goodness with a perfect mix of citrus tang and warming spices. The slow cooker makes the meat tender, and a quick broil adds irresistible crisp. It’s the ideal blend of flavors and textures that make every bite amazing.

I’ve been perfecting my carnitas recipe for years now and trust me when I say it’s one of the best I’ve ever made. This recipe makes tender shredded pork with just the right balance of crispy edges that give it that authentic Mexican flavor.

I start with 3-4 lbs pork shoulder cut into chunks and season it with 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp ground cumin and 1 tsp dried oregano which infuses the meat with deep flavors. I then add a large chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 bay leaves for that extra aromatic kick.

To bring a slight tanginess, I mix in 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/2 cup lime juice and 1 cup chicken broth. Cooking it all in my slow cooker ensures the pork becomes melt in your mouth tender yet nicely crisp on the edges when done.

It’s a nutritional powerhouse and a truly delicious option for any day. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First, the pork gets so tender and juicy after simmering in the slow cooker that every bite just melts in my mouth. Second, the mix of tangy orange and lime juices with cumin and oregano gives it a flavor that is both bold and refreshing, something i really crave in a meal. Third, i appreciate how simple it is to put together – you just season, throw everything in the slow cooker, shred, and then broil for those crispy edges, making it a total win when i’m in a rush but still want something tasty. Lastly, the extra step of broiling really brings that fun texture contrast that makes eating it even more satisfying.

Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder supplies protein and fat, giving a rich, tender texture to our carnitas.
• Orange Juice adds natural sweetness and acidity that brightens and flavors the dish.
• Lime Juice offers a tangy kick which helps cut through the rich meat flavors.
• Garlic delivers bold, aromatic notes and has some healthy compounds inside it.
• Onion brings fiber and a subtle sweetness, deepening the overall flavor.
• Chicken Broth keeps the meat juicy while adding a warm, savory undertone.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (cut into chunks)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice (from about 3 limes)
• 1 cup chicken broth

How to Make this

1. Season the pork shoulder chunks with salt, pepper, cumin and oregano and toss well so every piece gets coated.

2. Place the pork into your slow cooker and add the roughly chopped onion, minced garlic and bay leaves.

3. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth over the pork making sure everything is evenly mixed.

4. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for about 8 hours or on high for roughly 5 hours until the pork is super tender.

5. Once the pork is soft, remove the bay leaves and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

6. For extra crispy edges, spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes while keeping an eye on it.

7. After broiling, return the pork back to the slow cooker so it can soak up the extra juices.

8. Give everything a good stir and taste to see if you want to add a bit more salt.

9. Serve the carnitas warm with tortillas, salsa or your favorite toppings and enjoy the awesome flavors.

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Baking sheet
3. Two forks (for shredding the pork)
4. Large cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Mixing bowl (for coating the pork)
8. Tongs or a spatula (for stirring and serving)

FAQ

THE BEST CARNITAS RECIPE Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have ground cumin, mix equal parts chili powder and coriander powder to capture a similar earthy flavor.
• If dried oregano is missing, feel free to use marjoram or even a pinch of thyme to still bring in that herby kick.
• No chicken broth on hand? Beef broth works fine or you can dissolve a bouillon cube in hot water for a quick fix.
• Out of fresh orange juice? Try using mandarin juice instead for that citrus sweetness.
• If you cant get lime juice, a squeeze of lemon juice kinda does the trick even though its a bit tangier.

Pro Tips

1. If you have the time, try marinating the pork overnight in the same seasoning mix before cooking. It really lets the flavors sink in and makes the meat even tastier.
2. When you broil the shredded pork for that extra crispy edge, keep a close eye on it. It can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in just a minute or two, so dont get distracted.
3. Always use fresh orange and lime juice instead of bottled ones. Fresh juice gives a brighter, tangier flavor to the dish that you really wont get otherwise.
4. After shredding, stir the pork back into the juices in the slow cooker. It might seem like a small step, but it helps the meat soak up even more flavor and keeps it moist.