Are you craving a flavorful and tender meat dish that is both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious? Look no further than this mouthwatering Carnitas recipe! Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with friends and family, Carnitas is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that will leave everyone wanting more. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these irresistible Carnitas step by step. So, let’s get started!<\/p>\n
Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that features tender and juicy pork that is slow-cooked until it becomes meltingly soft on the inside, with a crispy exterior. The word “Carnitas” translates to “little meats” in Spanish, and that perfectly describes the small, succulent pieces of pork that are the star of this recipe. Traditionally, Carnitas are made by simmering the meat in lard until it’s tender and then crisping it up for added texture and flavor.<\/p>\n
To make this easy and delicious Carnitas recipe, you will need the following ingredients:<\/p>\n
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder chunks. Fat adds flavor, but you want to remove any large pieces that won’t render down during cooking. Cut the pork into smaller, manageable pieces, about 2-inch cubes.<\/p>\n
In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, orange juice, and lime juice. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade. Add the pork pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.<\/p>\n
Once the pork has marinated, it’s time to cook it to tender perfection. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven<\/a> over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork pieces to the pot, allowing them to sear on all sides until browned. This step helps to develop rich flavors in the meat.<\/p>\n Next, pour in the chicken broth, which will add moisture and further enhance the taste. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer the pork for approximately 2 to 3hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.<\/p>\n Once the pork is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a large cutting board or a plate. Using two forks, shred the meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces. The slow cooking process ensures that the pork is incredibly tender and will effortlessly fall apart.<\/p>\n To achieve that irresistible crispy texture, we’ll now crisp up the shredded pork. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add a portion of the shredded pork, spreading it out in an even layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy. Using a spatula, flip the pork and crisp up the other side. Repeat this process until all the shredded pork is crispy and golden.<\/p>\nStep 4: Shredding the Pork<\/h2>\n
Step 5: Crisping the Carnitas<\/h2>\n