Carnitas are a juicy and flavorful Mexican pulled pork that’s perfect for serving on tacos with your favorite toppings. Pork shoulder is rubbed with a simple seasoning mix, seared, covered with a citrus-y juice and beer mixture, then cooked on the stove until incredibly tender. This pork carnita meat will melt in your mouth!
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What’s in this Carnitas Recipe?
Classic Mexican seasonings meld with acidic lime juice and orange juice, savory chicken broth, and mild beer to create an irresistible-tasting pulled pork that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, and more!
- Pork Shoulder: The best cut of pork for making carnitas is pork shoulder. The fat helps to keep the meat moist while it cooks, and it also adds flavor. You can also use pork butt.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, oregano, onion powder, and ground black pepper meld together to create a delicious spice rub for the pork.
- Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor.
- Lime Juice: Adds an acidic zing!
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the braising liquid. You can use vegetable or beef broth instead if you prefer.
- Orange Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor and helps to tenderize the pork. The sugars in the orange juice also help caramelize the pork under the broiler.
- Beer: Use a light or medium-bodied lager or pilsner. These types of beers have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the pork without overpowering it.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps the pork brown without burning.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness.
Pro Tip: You can use a pre-made seasoning blend, like Sazón Goya, in place of the spices.
What’s the best cut of pork for carnitas meat?
While pork shoulder (or butt) is the traditional cut for carnitas meat, you can experiment with other cuts, such as pork loin or pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may not turn out as tender or juicy.
I recommend adding an extra 2-4 tablespoons of fat to your pork and an extra cup of liquid (broth, beer, or water) to help compensate.
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Carnitas is a Mexican dish that consists of slow-cooked pork that has been seasoned with various herbs and spices. The pork is typically cooked until it is tender and falls apart easily, and it is traditionally served in small pieces, either as a filling for tacos, burritos, or as a main dish with rice and beans.
Yes, carnitas is a dish made with pork. The word “carnitas” literally translates to “little meats” in Spanish, and it typically refers to slow-cooked, shredded or chopped pork that has been seasoned with various herbs and spices.
While both dishes are slow-cooked and seasoned with herbs and spices, the main difference between carnitas and barbacoa is the type of meat used. Carnitas is made with pork, while barbacoa is traditionally made with beef, lamb, or goat.
That depends! The spice blend used in this recipe gives this dish just a bit of heat, but you can make it spicier by adding cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or serranos.
To crisp up the edges of the carnitas, we spread them out onto a baking sheet and broil them in the oven!
Yes, carnitas freezes well for up to 2 months!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in 30-second increments in the microwave until hot.
How to Freeze
Freeze carnitas meat in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This pork carnitas is perfect for tacos, burritos, or taquitos. Enjoy it on top of a taco salad or burrito bowl, or even make Mexican pulled pork sandwiches with it. Add some salsa or pico de gallo and sour cream on top!
Serve with a side of cilantro rice, refried beans, or Mexican corn on the cob for a complete meal.
Carnitas Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup lime juice (from 2 limes)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1½ cups beer
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ onion chopped
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Combine the chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, onion powder, and pepper in a small dish.1½ tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Rub the seasoning over the pork roast covering it entirely.3 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- Whisk together the garlic, lime juice, chicken broth, orange juice, and beer.4 cloves garlic, ¼ cup lime juice, ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup orange juice, 1½ cups beer
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Once heated, place the roast in the pot and sear the roast on all sides until brown and crisp.
- Remove the roast and place on a sheet pan or plate.
- Add in the onion. Sprinkle with salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.½ onion
- Pour in the citrus beer mixture. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the roast back to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce to a simmer.
- Cover the pot, and cook for 3-4 hours until the roast is fork tender.
- Shred the meat. Then, transfer it to a large sheet pan. Add a few spoonfuls of juice over the top.
- Broil the meat for 6-10 minutes until the edges are crispy.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- You can use a pre-made spice blend, like Sazón Goya, in place of the spices.
- You can also use pork butt for this recipe.
- You can use beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can use store-bought or freshly-squeezed orange juice.
- I like to use a light/pale beer, like Corona, for carnitas.
- The internal temperature of the pork should read 160-170°F.
- Watch the pork carefully under the broiler so it doesn’t burn!
Nutrition Information
