Ingredients you’ll need:
- 3 pounds of boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 cup of water
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup of lard or vegetable oil
Step 1: Marinate the pork
In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, water, minced garlic, salt, oregano, cumin, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Add the pork chunks into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Slow cooking the carnitas
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the lard or vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork chunks in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Cook the pork for about 10 minutes or until nicely browned on all sides. This step helps develop a rich caramelization and adds incredible flavor to the dish.
Once browned, reduce the heat to low and add the remaining marinade to the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the pork. If needed, add a little water to achieve the desired level.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the carnitas simmer gently for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. The low and slow cooking method will result in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Step 3: Shredding and crisping the carnitas
After 2 hours of simmering, the pork should be tender and easily shred with a fork. Use two forks to pull apart the meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
In a separate large skillet, heat some lard or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Transfer the shredded pork into the skillet, spreading it out into an even layer.
Cook the pork in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Flip the meat occasionally to achieve an even crispiness on all sides.
Step 4: Serving and enjoying
Once the carnitas are nicely crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving platter lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Serve the Michoacán-style carnitas in warm tortillas accompanied by fresh salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and chopped onions. Make it a complete meal by adding rice and beans on the side.
Enjoy this mouthwatering Mexican delicacy with family and friends, and let the flavors transport you to the heart of Michoacán!
So, if you are looking to recreate the authentic Michoacán-style carnitas at home, follow these easy steps and treat yourself to a truly memorable meal. Your taste buds will thank you!