How To Cook Pork Carnitas - Easy Pork Carnitas Recipe

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 thick strips, leaving some fat on for cooking.

Place the pork pieces into a large saucepan.

Pour in enough water to cover the pork.

Add orange juice and zest to the saucepan.

Season with salt, garlic cloves, chopped onion, bay leaves, and a pinch of black pepper.

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 hours until the pork is tender.

Chop three red onions into chunky pieces for pickled onions.

Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan over low heat and add the chopped onions.

Once the onions start to turn brown, add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.

Cook the onions until the liquid evaporates, then set aside until the pork is ready.

After 2 hours, remove the lid from the pork and let it bubble away until the liquid evaporates, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Continue cooking until the pork is browned and crispy on the outside.

Pull the pork apart with forks; it should be soft and succulent with some crisp on the outside.

Serve the pulled pork with tacos, pickled onions, and fresh coriander.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary