Carnitas De Puerco Recipe

Carnitas De Puerco is a traditional Mexican dish made with slow-cooked pork that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a party. The dish is typically served with corn tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges, which add a burst of freshness to the dish.

How to Make Carnitas De Puerco

This recipe for carnitas de puerco is a great way to recreate this classic dish at home. It is very handy and uses simple ingredients and easy techniques to create a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico.

The pork is seasoned with a blend of spices, including oregano and cumin, and simmered with onion, garlic, and bay leaves to infuse it with deep flavors. Once the pork is cooked, it is baked in the oven until it is crispy and golden brown, creating a deliciously crunchy texture.

Equipment Needed

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
• Tongs
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 oranges, juiced
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Now by adding pork brown all sides for 5 minutes.
4. Once the pork is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
5. Cook for 5 minutes by adding the onion and garlic to the pot until the onion is soft.
6. Add the cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Add the pork back to the pot and pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and water.
8. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid.
9. Transfer the pot to the oven and cook for 2-3 hours, until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
10. Once the pork is done, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and shred it with a fork.
11. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid and discard.
12. Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix well with the cooking liquid.
13. Serve hot with corn tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges.

Conclusion

Carnitas De Puerco is a classic Mexican dish that is easy to make and incredibly flavorful. The slow cooking process makes the pork tender and juicy, while the blend of spices and citrus juices gives it a zesty kick. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds.

FAQs

Why not for this recipe I use a different cut of pork?

Yes, you can use other cuts of pork like pork butt or pork loin for this recipe. However, pork shoulder is the preferred cut as it has more fat and connective tissue, which makes the meat more tender and flavorful after slow cooking.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker by following the same steps and cooking the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the carnitas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat them up in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze the leftover carnitas?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover carnitas in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and heat them up in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I use store-bought salsa and guacamole for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought salsa and guacamole if you’re short on time or prefer convenience. However, homemade salsa and guacamole will have more flavor and freshness.

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Print Recipe

Carnitas De Puerco Recipe

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time3 hours hrs

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 8

Calories: 320kcal

Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
• Tongs
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef's knife

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 oranges, juiced
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Now by adding pork brown all sides for 5 minutes.
• Once the pork is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
• Cook for 5 minutes by adding the onion and garlic to the pot until the onion is soft.
• Add the cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Add the pork back to the pot and pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and water.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid.
• Transfer the pot to the oven and cook for 2-3 hours, until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
• Once the pork is done, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and shred it with a fork.
• Skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid and discard.
• Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix well with the cooking liquid.
• Serve hot with corn tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges.

Emma

Welcome! My name is Emma and you are on my Internet Kitchen. Delicious food is the common love of every foodie person. This site is to share friendly and appetizing recipes. We believe for a better life, you should need better food. So, keep visiting for updated information and recipes.