Mexican Pulled Pork, or Carnitas, is a tender, flavorful dish that’s slow-cooked until the pork is melt-in-your-mouth soft and then crisped to perfection. Infused with a blend of spices, citrus, and aromatics, this dish captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. Carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be used in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or served with rice and beans. With its irresistible combination of juicy interior and caramelized edges, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess fat and cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 oranges, juiced (reserve peels)
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onion, salsa, avocado
Instructions:
- Season the Pork: In a large bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chunks, ensuring even coverage.
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork in batches, searing on all sides until golden brown. Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker or large Dutch oven.
- Add Aromatics and Citrus: To the pork, add the onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, reserved orange peels, and chicken broth.
- Cook:
- Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the Dutch oven and cook for 3-4 hours, until tender.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the cooking liquid and shred it using two forks. Reserve some of the cooking liquid.
- Crisp the Pork: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork in batches, drizzling with a bit of the reserved cooking liquid for moisture. Cook until the edges are crispy and caramelized.
- Serve: Use the pulled pork to make tacos, burritos, or bowls. Top with cilantro, onion, and your favorite salsa or serve alongside rice and beans.
Mexican Pulled Pork is a crowd-pleasing dish with bold flavors and versatile applications. Whether for taco night or a hearty meal, it’s sure to impress!
