Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 pounds of pork shoulder, boneless
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 tablespoon of dried Mexican oregano
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Step 1: Preparing the Pork
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cutting it into 2-inch chunks. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Searing the Pork
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chunks in a single layer. Sear the meat on all sides until it turns golden brown. This will take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 3: Adding Flavor
Once the pork is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Next, add the dried Mexican oregano and ground cumin to the pot. Stir everything together to coat the pork evenly with the spices.
Step 4: Braising the Meat
Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice. Stir well to combine the liquids with the pork and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
Allow the pork to braise for approximately 2-3 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Stir the meat occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
Step 5: Shredding and Crisping the Carnitas
Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Add the shredded pork to the skillet and press it down with a spatula. Allow the carnitas to crisp up for a few minutes on each side, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Serving Your Delicious Carnitas
Your homemade carnitas are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them in warm tortillas with toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced onions, freshly squeezed lime juice, and your favorite salsa.
These carnitas make for a fantastic filling in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even as a topping for nachos. The possibilities are endless!
There you have it—a step-by-step guide to making irresistibly delicious carnitas in the comfort of your own kitchen! Impress your family and friends with this authentic Mexican dish that will leave everyone craving for more.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get cooking and savor the incredible flavors of homemade carnitas. Bon appétit!