Make Taco Tuesday Extra Delicious: Crispy Pork Carnitas!

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: pork tenderloin

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Pork tenderloin is leaner, while pork butt is often less expensive.

lard

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is usually cheaper.

Cut the pork shoulder into small pieces, removing the bone if necessary.

Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper and mix to coat.

Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add the pork pieces to the pot in batches, browning them on all sides for about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Once all pork is browned, reduce heat slightly and return all pork to the pot.

Add garlic cloves, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, bay leaves, chopped red onions, lime juice, orange juice, and chicken broth to the pot.

Mix all ingredients together in the pot.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cover the pot and place it in the oven for 3 hours until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.

Check the liquid level after about 1.5 hours and add more if necessary to prevent evaporation.

After 3 hours, remove the pot from the oven and check if the meat is tender by pulling it apart with a fork.

Shred the pork using two forks and mix it with some of the leftover liquid from the pot.

Set the broiler to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and transfer the shredded pork to a baking pan.

Broil the pork for a few minutes until the top is crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary