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! 😍
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🌮 Make the Best Carnitas Recipe Ever! 🥑🔥
Craving tender, juicy, and flavorful pork that melts in your mouth? Look no further — this is the best carnitas recipe ever! Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked until tender, then crisped to golden perfection, these authentic Mexican carnitas are delicious in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even on nachos. 🇲🇽✨
🌮 What Are Carnitas?
Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, are a beloved Mexican dish made from slow-cooked pork shoulder. Traditionally simmered in lard until juicy and tender, the pork is then crisped to achieve that perfect texture — crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside.
They’re versatile, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor. Once you make them at home, you’ll never want takeout again!
🥩 Ingredients for the Best Carnitas Recipe Ever
You don’t need many ingredients to make authentic, restaurant-quality carnitas — just the right combination of citrus, spices, and slow cooking.
🧂 Main Ingredients
3–4 lbs (1.5–2 kg) pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), cut into 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 for extra flavor!) 🍊
1 lime, juiced
1 cup chicken broth (or water)
🌶️ Optional Add-Ons
1 tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky twist)
1 tbsp brown sugar (for caramelization)
1 jalapeño, sliced (for mild heat)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥄 Step 1: Season the Pork
In a large bowl, coat the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and paprika. Massage the spices in well — this helps the flavors soak deep into the meat.
🍳 Step 2: Add to the Pot
Place the seasoned pork in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, orange juice, lime juice, and the leftover orange peel. Pour in chicken broth.
🕓 Step 3: Simmer Slowly
Bring everything to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook gently for 2½ to 3 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easy to shred.
➡️ Alternative Methods:
Slow Cooker: Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
Instant Pot: Cook for 45 minutes on High Pressure, then natural release.
🍴 Step 4: Shred the Meat
Remove the pork and discard the bay leaves and orange peel. Shred the meat using two forks.
🔥 Step 5: Crisp to Perfection
This is the secret to authentic carnitas!
Oven Method: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet, drizzle a little cooking liquid over the top, and broil for 5–7 minutes until the edges are crispy and caramelized.
Skillet Method: Sear shredded pork in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil until golden and crisp.
🌯 How to Serve Carnitas
There’s no wrong way to enjoy carnitas — they pair beautifully with countless dishes. Here are a few favorites:
🌮 Carnitas Tacos
Warm corn tortillas
Top with diced onion, cilantro, and lime juice
Add salsa verde or spicy red salsa
🥗 Carnitas Burrito Bowls
Layer with rice, beans, corn, avocado, and a drizzle of crema or chipotle mayo.
🧀 Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Pile shredded pork on tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole.
🌮 Quesadillas or Burritos
Wrap in a flour tortilla with cheese and salsa for the ultimate handheld meal.
🌶️ Pro Tips for the Best Carnitas Recipe Ever
💡 Use Pork Shoulder – Its perfect fat content keeps the meat juicy during slow cooking.
💡 Don’t Skip the Citrus – Orange and lime juice tenderize the meat while adding that authentic, tangy flavor.
💡 Save the Juices – Use the leftover liquid from cooking to moisten the pork before crisping.
💡 Crisp in Batches – Overcrowding the pan prevents that golden crust.
💡 Add a Fresh Squeeze of Lime – Right before serving for a burst of brightness.
🍋 Quick Version: 1-Hour Carnitas
Short on time? Try this quick stovetop version:
Cut pork into 1-inch cubes.
Brown in a large skillet until golden.
Add all ingredients plus 1 cup of broth. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Shred and crisp under the broiler for 5 minutes.
Fast, flavorful, and still irresistibly delicious! ⚡
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy + Juicy: The perfect texture combo.
Flavorful: A mix of citrus, garlic, and spices in every bite.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers for tacos, burritos, or salads.
Freezer-Friendly: Save for easy weeknight dinners.
Once you’ve made these carnitas, they’ll become your go-to recipe for gatherings, parties, or family dinners.
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Add a splash of broth and warm in a skillet until crisp again.
Bonus Tip: For that just-cooked crunch, reheat under the broiler for 3–4 minutes.
🌮 Serving Suggestions
Make your carnitas a meal to remember with these easy sides:
Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
Refried or Black Beans
Fresh Pico de Gallo
Guacamole or Avocado Slices
Pickled Onions or Jalapeños
Fresh Lime Wedges
🌮 Final Thoughts: Make the Best Carnitas Recipe Ever!
With tender, juicy meat and perfectly crispy edges, this homemade carnitas recipe delivers authentic Mexican flavor that’s both comforting and irresistible.
Whether served as tacos, burritos, or in a hearty bowl, every bite bursts with the rich taste of citrus, spices, and slow-cooked pork perfection.
Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen — because these truly are the best carnitas ever! 🌮🔥