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Flavorful Authentic Carnitas Recipe Easy Citrus Mexican Spices Guide

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This authentic carnitas recipe combines tender pork shoulder with fresh citrus juices and bold Mexican spices for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for gatherings and weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (well-marbled with fat cap)
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
  • Optional: 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped
  • Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat moist. Cut into large chunks about 3 inches wide.
  2. In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Place pork chunks in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour marinade over them. Coat each piece well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3-4 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  5. Heat vegetable oil or lard in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade (reserve marinade) and brown pieces on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed.
  6. Add chopped onion, bay leaves, and reserved marinade to the pot. Stir gently. Liquid should come halfway up pork pieces; add water if needed.
  7. Cover pot and braise in oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. Check halfway and spoon juices over meat; add water or juice if drying out.
  8. Remove pork and shred with two forks. Discard bay leaves. Stir shredded pork back into cooking liquid to soak up flavor.
  9. Spread shredded pork on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour a few tablespoons of cooking liquid over top. Broil 5-7 minutes until edges are crispy and caramelized, watching carefully. Alternatively, crisp in a hot skillet over medium-high heat.
  10. Serve hot with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate pork overnight. Pat pork dry before searing to get a better crust. Use broiler or hot skillet to crisp edges carefully to avoid burning. Save leftover cooking liquid for drizzling or mixing into rice. Slow cooker can be used as an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: carnitas, pork shoulder, Mexican spices, citrus, orange juice, lime juice, slow cooked pork, authentic carnitas, easy carnitas recipe

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