Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas

It's hard to believe I went until age 22 without falling in love with Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas. Never fear, we've made some changes since then and these Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas are now one of our favorite little indulgences. This is the type of recipe that you can make and then use for multiple nights for a variety of dishes!! Who can say no to that?

Why I Love This Recipe

The pork shoulder gently cooks for 3 hours and when it's done, it literally melts in your mouth. Insanely tender and even more delicious with the addition of a little guacamole, it makes for a 100% satisfying meal. Add a skinny margarita and you couldn't pay me enough to share!

You could use this carnitas recipe and throw it into tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or any other application you deem fit. You honestly couldn't go wrong!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Boneless pork shoulder cut into 2 inch cubes
Orange Juice
Lime Juice
Chipotle salsa
Kosher salt plus more to taste
Pico de Gallo
Guacamole
Charred Small Flour Tortillas
Chopped Onions and Cilantro
Freshly shredded Cheddar Cheese

How to Make

Place the pork in a large dutch oven with the orange juice, lime juice, salsa and salt. Add enough water to barely cover the meat. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low and simmer with the lid on for 2 hours, at which point the pork should be falling apart to the touch.

Turn the heat up to medium high, and continue to cook the pork for 45 minutes, uncovered, stirring every once in a while, until all the liquid has evaporated and the pork fat as been rendered.

Parts of the pork should be caramelized and golden brown. Remove the dutch oven from the stove and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or let cool and store in an airtight container for 4 days in the fridge

Tips & Tricks

This recipe is super straight forward! If you prefer a tomatillo salsa to a chipotle salsa, please feel free to make that substitution! And if you want to make your own, the recipes for both are linked above. But if not, feel free to use store bought as that's easier and 95% of the time exactly what I do too!

FAQ's

What kind of meat is carnitas?

Pork. Specifically the Pork Butt of Pork Shoulder

What is difference between pulled pork and carnitas?

Pulled pork is typically made from pork shoulder, slow-cooked until tender and then shredded. Carnitas, on the other hand, is a Mexican dish made from pork shoulder or butt that is braised or simmered until it becomes tender and then shredded or chopped.

What is carnitas vs barbacoa?

Carnitas is a Mexican dish made from braised or simmered pork, typically seasoned with spices such as garlic, cumin, and oregano. Barbacoa, on the other hand, is a traditional Mexican style of cooking meat, often beef or lamb, that is slow-cooked until tender.