Carnitas Recipe

Carnitas, the pride of Mexican cuisine, are irresistibly tender chunks of pork with a crispy exterior, bursting with savory flavors. This traditional dish has gained popularity worldwide for its versatility and mouthwatering taste. Whether tucked into tacos, served with rice and beans, or enjoyed on its own, carnitas are a surefire way to elevate your mealtime. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this classic dish at home!

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 orange, juiced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

• Start by cutting the pork into 2-inch chunks and trimming excess fat.
• Season generously with salt and pepper.

1. Cooking the Carnitas:

• In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
• Sear the pork pieces in batches until all sides are browned and crispy. This step is crucial for developing flavor.

1. Braising:

• Once the pork is seared, remove excess oil from the pot.
• Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and water (or broth). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

1. Simmering:

• Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cover and simmer gently for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender and can be easily shredded.

1. Finishing Touch:

• Once the pork is tender, uncover the pot and increase the heat to medium-high.
• Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the pork caramelizes and crisps up on the edges.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove bay leaves and any large onion pieces.
• Serve the carnitas hot, either as tacos with warm tortillas, cilantro, diced onions, and salsa, or alongside rice and beans.

Conclusion:
Carnitas are more than just a dish; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that bring people together. With this recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of Mexico in your own kitchen, impressing family and friends with each tender, crispy bite. Embrace the rich tradition of carnitas and savor every delicious moment!

Pro Tip: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the pork in the citrus juices and spices overnight before cooking. This enhances the meat’s tenderness and infuses it with robust flavors.

Now, get ready to enjoy the satisfaction of making homemade carnitas that rival your favorite taqueria’s!