If you love tender, juicy, and crispy shredded pork wrapped in warm tortillas, this carnitas recipe is about to become your new favorite! Carnitas, which means “little meats” in Spanish, is a classic Mexican dish known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavor. Traditionally slow-cooked until perfectly tender and then crisped up just before serving, carnitas are versatile and crowd-pleasing — ideal for tacos, burritos, bowls, or even nachos.
Let’s dive into how to make the best carnitas recipe ever — full of flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress! 🌮✨
🥘 Introduction: What Makes Carnitas So Special
Authentic Mexican carnitas are a celebration of texture and flavor. The secret lies in slow cooking pork in its own fat and aromatic spices until it’s so tender that it practically falls apart. Then, just before serving, it’s broiled or pan-fried to achieve those crispy golden edges everyone loves.
Whether you’re making carnitas for taco night, meal prep, or a big weekend feast, this recipe is simple and foolproof. You don’t need fancy equipment — just a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or Instant Pot will do the trick!
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best carnitas recipe ever:
🌮 For the Pork:
4 lbs (1.8 kg) pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat and cut into large chunks
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 orange, juiced (keep the spent halves)
1 lime, juiced
1 cup chicken broth (or water if preferred)
🌶️ Optional Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Diced onion
Lime wedges
Avocado slices
Salsa verde or pico de gallo
Warm corn or flour tortillas
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
Start by patting your pork shoulder pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. This step builds deep flavor from the start.
2. Combine Ingredients
Place the seasoned pork into your slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Squeeze the orange and lime juice over the pork, then add the orange halves into the pot for extra zest. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
If using a Dutch oven, cover and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 3–4 hours, checking occasionally to make sure it stays moist.
Once done, remove the orange halves and bay leaves. Shred the pork using two forks — it should fall apart effortlessly.
🌟 Step 4: Crisping the Carnitas
Crispy edges are what make carnitas truly irresistible. You can crisp them up two ways:
Option 1: Broiler Method
Preheat your oven’s broiler.
Spread shredded pork evenly on a baking sheet.
Spoon some of the cooking juices over the top.
Broil for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are brown and crispy.
Option 2: Skillet Method
Heat a cast iron or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add a drizzle of oil and spoon in the shredded pork.
Fry for 4–6 minutes, letting it crisp without stirring too much.
Add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid to keep it juicy.
Both methods deliver flavorful, golden-brown carnitas that are crispy outside and tender inside — just like from your favorite taqueria! 🌮
🌮 Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your carnitas are crisped to perfection, it’s time to serve them up!
Serving Ideas:
Classic Tacos: Pile the carnitas into warm tortillas and top with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.
Burrito Bowls: Layer with rice, black beans, salsa, and avocado.
Loaded Nachos: Sprinkle carnitas over tortilla chips with melted cheese and jalapeños.
Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with carnitas and cheese, then grill until crispy.
No matter how you serve them, the flavor is out of this world — smoky, citrusy, and rich.
🕒 Tips for the Perfect Carnitas
✅ Use Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt): This cut has the right balance of fat and meat for tender results.
✅ Don’t Rush the Cooking: Low and slow cooking gives carnitas their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
✅ Add Citrus: The orange and lime juice balance the richness of the pork with bright, zesty flavor.
✅ Crisp Right Before Serving: That final step ensures the perfect texture — juicy inside, crispy outside.
✅ Save the Juices: Don’t throw away the cooking liquid! It’s full of flavor and keeps the meat moist when reheating.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store carnitas in an airtight container with a bit of cooking liquid for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving — it softens the meat.
🌯 Variations to Try
Want to customize your carnitas recipe? Try these twists:
Spicy Carnitas: Add a chopped jalapeño or extra chili powder.
Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
Coca-Cola Carnitas: Substitute part of the broth with cola for a sweet, caramelized finish (a popular Mexican trick!).
Instant Pot Version: Cook on HIGH pressure for 40 minutes, then naturally release pressure for tender results.
🌮 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This carnitas recipe is:
✨ Easy to make — no complicated techniques!
✨ Family-friendly and freezer-friendly.
✨ Bursting with authentic Mexican flavor.
✨ Perfect for tacos, burritos, and meal prep.
❤️ Conclusion
Now you know how to make the best carnitas recipe ever! With a few simple ingredients, a little patience, and the right technique, you can bring the authentic taste of Mexico right to your kitchen.
From tender slow-cooked pork to those irresistible crispy edges, every bite is pure comfort and flavor. Whether you’re hosting taco night, feeding a crowd, or just craving something hearty and delicious, these homemade carnitas are guaranteed to impress.
So grab some tortillas, squeeze fresh lime juice over your carnitas, and enjoy the taste of perfection — right at home! 🌮💛