If you love tender, juicy, and flavorful Mexican food, then this is your dream come true! Get ready to make the best carnitas recipe ever — crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, and bursting with authentic flavor. Whether you’re preparing tacos, burritos, or a festive dinner, this easy homemade carnitas recipe will steal the show.
Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family feasts, this guide will show you how to make carnitas step by step, plus how to store, reheat, and serve them like a pro. Let’s dive in! 🌮🔥
🌟 Introduction: What Are Carnitas?
“Carnitas” means little meats in Spanish — a Mexican classic made by slow-cooking pork until it’s tender and then crisping it to perfection. Traditionally, carnitas are cooked in lard in a copper pot, but you can easily recreate the same magic at home using your oven, stovetop, or slow cooker.
They’re versatile, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. When you make the best carnitas recipe ever, you’ll capture that incredible mix of juicy, citrusy, garlicky, and slightly crispy goodness that everyone loves.
🥩 Ingredients for the Best Carnitas Recipe Ever
Here’s what you’ll need to make authentic, delicious carnitas:
Main Ingredients:
4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt) – cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 large onion, roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
¼ cup lime juice
1 cup chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons olive oil or lard
🌮 Optional Add-ins:
A pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for extra depth
Coca-Cola (¼ cup) for a touch of caramelized sweetness (a Mexican secret!)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make the best carnitas recipe ever — flavorful, crisp, and satisfying every time.
🕐 Step 1: Prep the Pork
Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, but leave some for flavor. Cut the pork into large chunks (about 2–3 inches each). Pat dry with paper towels and season all over with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
🍊 Step 2: Add Flavors
In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, add the seasoned pork. Then mix in onion, garlic, bay leaves, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. The liquid should come about halfway up the meat — enough to braise without boiling.
🫕 Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Option 1 – Oven:
Cover the pot with a lid or foil.
Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5–3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
Option 2 – Slow Cooker:
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until tender.
Option 3 – Stovetop:
Simmer gently on low heat, covered, for 2.5–3 hours, checking occasionally.
🍴 Step 4: Shred the Pork
Once the pork is tender and falling apart, remove it from the pot. Discard the bay leaves. Shred the meat with two forks, removing large chunks of fat.
Save about 1 cup of the cooking liquid — it’s full of flavor!
🔥 Step 5: Crisp It Up
Now it’s time to make those famous crispy edges that make carnitas irresistible.
Option 1 – Oven Broiler (Best Method):
Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet.
Pour a little of the reserved liquid over the top to keep it juicy.
Broil for 5–8 minutes, stirring halfway, until crispy and golden.
Option 2 – Skillet:
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil or lard.
Add the shredded pork and fry until browned and crispy at the edges.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — crisp in batches for best texture!
🌮 How to Serve Carnitas
Now that you’ve made the best carnitas recipe ever, here’s how to serve it:
Classic Tacos:
Warm corn tortillas and fill them with carnitas.
Add onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salsa verde.
Burritos or Bowls:
Serve over rice, black beans, and guacamole for a hearty meal.
Quesadillas or Nachos:
Add carnitas to melted cheese, jalapeños, and pico de gallo for a crowd-pleaser.
Carnitas Salad:
For a lighter option, top a salad with shredded carnitas, avocado, and lime dressing.
🧂 Tips to Make the Best Carnitas Recipe Ever
✅ Choose the Right Cut:
Pork shoulder or pork butt gives you that juicy, tender texture — avoid lean cuts.
✅ Use Citrus:
Orange and lime juice add brightness and help tenderize the meat.
✅ Don’t Skip the Crisping Step:
That caramelized texture makes carnitas truly special.
✅ Make Ahead Friendly:
Carnitas taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
✅ Freezer Friendly:
Store cooled carnitas in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months — perfect for quick meals.
🧊 How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
For best results, reheat in a skillet with a splash of the reserved cooking liquid.
Or bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to re-crisp.
🌶️ Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Carnitas
Complete your meal with these perfect sides:
Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
Refried beans or black beans
Elote (Mexican street corn)
Fresh guacamole
Pico de gallo or salsa roja
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super easy to make — minimal prep, big flavor.
Versatile — great for tacos, bowls, or party platters.
Authentic flavor with simple ingredients.
Crispy and juicy in every bite!
Once you make it, you’ll never want store-bought again — this really is the best carnitas recipe ever!
🌮 Conclusion
There you have it — your step-by-step guide to make the best carnitas recipe ever! With juicy pork, fresh citrus, and that signature crisp, this recipe brings the taste of Mexico right to your table. Whether it’s for Taco Tuesday, a family get-together, or meal prep for the week, carnitas never disappoint.
So grab your tortillas, limes, and appetite — it’s time to cook up some magic and enjoy the best carnitas you’ve ever tasted. 🌮💛