How to Make Mouthwatering Pork Shoulder Carnitas with Crispy Edges

Simple Summary

Tender, flavorful pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection and finished with irresistibly crispy edges. This carnitas recipe delivers authentic Mexican flavor with minimal effort.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (including slow cooker and oven time)
• Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large orange, juiced and zested
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Add the cubed pork and toss to coat evenly.

2. Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Add orange juice, zest, minced garlic, quartered onion, and bay leaves.

3. Pour in 1 cup of water. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.

4. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.

5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

6. Spread the shredded pork in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the edges are crispy and golden brown.

8. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Chef's Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick or a couple of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker.
• If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the pork in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours.
• Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, spread the carnitas on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes to re-crisp the edges.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximately 1 cup):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 30g (10g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Rich in B vitamins, zinc, and iron

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in warm corn tortillas with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for classic carnitas tacos.
• Use as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or tostadas.
• Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, and a crisp cabbage slaw for a complete meal.
• Garnish with sliced avocado or guacamole for added creaminess.
• Serve alongside a refreshing Mexican-style beer or a tangy margarita for the perfect accompaniment.