Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

Introduction

Welcome, culinary enthusiasts, to a tantalizing journey through the art of crafting authentic slow-cooked pork carnitas. Originating from the heart of Mexican cuisine, carnitas promise a symphony of flavors and textures that elevate any culinary table. This recipe makes use of slow-cooking techniques to ensure that the pork becomes tender, juicy, and deeply infused with spices that burst with each bite. Whether you serve them with fresh tortillas, atop a crispy tostada, or simply in a bowl, the magic of carnitas is bound to captivate your taste buds. Let’s slow down and enjoy the rich, succulent flavors of this delightful dish!

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Slow Cooker
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Large Skillet
• Tongs

Cooking Time

Total estimated time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas Recipe

Ingredients

• 2.5 kg (5 lbs) boneless pork shoulder
• 1 tbsp (15g) kosher salt
• 1 tsp (5g) black pepper
• 1 tbsp (8g) ground cumin
• 1 tbsp (8g) dried oregano
• 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 large onions, quartered
• 1 large orange, juiced
• 2 limes, juiced
• 240 ml (1 cup) chicken broth
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) white vinegar
• Optional toppings: diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, salsa

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Begin by rinsing the pork shoulder under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the pork into large chunks (approximately 8-10 pieces). This will help ensure even cooking and ease of handling later.

Step 2: Season the Meat

In a mixing bowl, combine salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork pieces, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork

Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker. Add quartered onions, orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, vegetable oil, and vinegar. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 4: Crisp the Carnitas

Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. To achieve a slightly crispy texture, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add shredded pork in a single layer. Allow the pork to crisp for 3-4 minutes on each side without stirring too much.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

After crisping, transfer the pork carnitas onto a serving dish. Serve warm with your choice of tortillas, topped with diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa for a complete culinary experience.

Conclusion

Congratulations on creating a dish that celebrates the essence of Mexican cuisine right in your kitchen. The gentle, slow-cooking process not only ensures perfectly tender pork but also allows the spices and citrus to penetrate deeply, resulting in flavorful carnitas. Enjoy serving these with an array of toppings, letting your guests customize their own plates. Embrace each bite, knowing you’ve crafted a dish steeped in tradition with your creative touch. We hope this recipe adds a staple to your culinary repertoire, allowing you to share meals and memories around your table. ¡Buen provecho!

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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