Get ready to fall in love with this authentic Mexican carnitas recipe that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely packed with flavor! Whether you’re making tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos, these slow-cooked pork carnitas will steal the show at any meal. 🌮💃
Let’s dive into how to make the best carnitas recipe ever, complete with simple ingredients, pro tips, and easy cooking methods for the stovetop, oven, or slow cooker.
🥘 What Are Carnitas?
“Carnitas” means little meats in Spanish — and it’s Mexico’s version of slow-cooked pulled pork, traditionally simmered in lard until tender, then crisped to perfection. The result?
✨ Juicy, shredded pork with irresistibly crispy edges and rich, savory flavor.
Think of it as the ultimate comfort food that’s as versatile as it is delicious!
🌮 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best carnitas recipe ever at home:
🧂 Main Ingredients
3–4 lbs (1.5–2 kg) pork shoulder (a.k.a. pork butt), cut into large chunks
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 large onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 orange, juiced (keep the peel too!) 🍊
1 lime, juiced
1 cup chicken broth (or water)
🧄 Optional for Extra Flavor:
1 tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky twist)
1 tbsp brown sugar (for slight caramelization)
1 jalapeño, sliced (for a mild kick)
🔥 How to Make Carnitas (Traditional Method)
🥄 Step 1: Season the Pork
In a large bowl, combine pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and paprika.
Massage the seasonings into the meat — this helps flavor it from the inside out.
🍳 Step 2: Add to the Pot
Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, orange juice + peel, lime juice, and chicken broth.
🕓 Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Cover and cook for 2.5–3 hours, until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
(You can also use a slow cooker on LOW for 6–8 hours or an Instant Pot for 45 minutes on high pressure.)
🍴 Step 4: Shred the Pork
Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the orange peel and bay leaves.
🔥 Step 5: Crisp It Up!
Here’s where the magic happens:
Oven Method: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet, drizzle with a bit of the cooking juices, and broil for 5–7 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Skillet Method: Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan over medium-high. Add pork and fry until crispy, letting it caramelize slightly.
Crispy, juicy perfection — that’s the secret to the best carnitas recipe ever! 🌮
🌯 Serving Ideas
Carnitas are incredibly versatile! Here’s how to serve them:
🌮 Classic Tacos
Warm corn tortillas
Top with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime
Add salsa verde or pico de gallo
🥗 Carnitas Bowls
Layer rice, beans, corn, avocado, and carnitas
Drizzle with chipotle mayo or crema
🧀 Loaded Nachos
Spread tortilla chips on a tray
Add cheese, carnitas, jalapeños, and bake until melted
Top with guacamole and sour cream
🌯 Burritos or Quesadillas
Roll carnitas with rice, beans, cheese, and salsa for a hearty wrap
🌶️ Pro Tips for the Best Carnitas Ever
✅ Use pork shoulder (pork butt) — it’s fatty enough to stay juicy after crisping.
✅ Don’t rush the slow-cook — tender carnitas need time to break down the fat and collagen.
✅ Save the cooking liquid! — It’s packed with flavor. Drizzle a few spoonfuls over your shredded meat before crisping to keep it moist.
✅ Double the batch — Carnitas freeze beautifully and make meal prep easy all week long.
✅ Add a squeeze of fresh lime before serving for that authentic, bright finish. 🍋
🍋 Quick Carnitas (If You’re Short on Time!)
Need carnitas fast? Try this:
Cut pork into smaller cubes (1-inch pieces).
Sauté in a large pan until browned.
Add all ingredients plus 1 cup of broth, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
Shred and crisp under the broiler for 5 minutes.
Done in half the time — still delicious! ⚡
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Carnitas Recipe
Flavor-packed: The citrus and spices make every bite irresistible.
Crispy yet tender: The perfect contrast of textures.
Simple ingredients: Pantry staples — no fancy tools needed.
Meal-prep friendly: Stores great in the fridge or freezer.
Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this is the kind of recipe that makes everyone ask for seconds (and the recipe!).
🥑 How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Keeps well for 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Add a splash of broth and warm in a skillet until crispy again.
Pro Hack: Re-crisp under the broiler for 3–4 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-pan crunch!
🌮 Final Thoughts: Make the Best Carnitas Recipe Ever!
This authentic carnitas recipe is everything you want — flavorful, juicy, and full of Mexican soul. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen.
Serve it with warm tortillas, fresh lime, and your favorite toppings — and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make everyone say ¡Más por favor! 🌮🔥
Ready to make it tonight?
Once you try this version, you’ll never go back — it’s truly the best carnitas recipe ever! 😍