Mexican Carnitas (Confit Pulled Pork)

Name: Mexican Carnitas (Confit Pulled Pork)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2.5 kg Boneless pork shoulder; 1 kg Lard (or neutral oil); 2 pcs Oranges (halved); 1 pc Lime (halved); 1 large Red onion (quartered); 6 cloves Garlic (whole); 2 tbsp Salt; 1 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp Ground cumin; 1 tsp Dried oregano; 250 ml Water; 125 ml Milk (optional, for tenderness)

Difficulty

medium

Time

4h 25m

Price Category

average

Calories

High

Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish made from pork that is slowly confited in its own fat until incredibly tender, then often crisped up. This recipe guarantees incredibly succulent and flavorful meat that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's perfect for tacos, burritos, or even sandwiches. Bring this authentic Mexican flavor into your home and impress your family and friends!

Steps

Prep and Season

Cut the pork shoulder into 2-3 inch (5-7 cm) cubes. In a large bowl, season the pork pieces generously with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated.

Begin Confit

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the lard over medium heat. Once melted, add the seasoned pork. Add the halved oranges and lime, quartered red onion, and whole garlic cloves. Pour in the water and the optional milk (or cola).

Slow Cook

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, just enough for a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and slow cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Check occasionally and stir if needed. The pork will confit in the fat, becoming incredibly succulent.

Crisp and Serve

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it into larger pieces using two forks. Leave the rendered fat in the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and return the shredded pork to the pot. Fry the pork in the hot fat for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Serve immediately while hot, for example, with tortillas, salsa, and fresh cilantro.

	Per 100g	Per Serving 150g
Calories	350 kcal	525 kcal
Protein	25g	37.5g
Fat	25g	37.5g
Carbohydrate	1g	1.5g
Fiber	0g	0g
Sugar	0g	0g

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pork

slow-cooked

everyday

main course

tender

Mexican

all seasons

Hot

Mexican Carnitas (Confit Pulled Pork)

Difficulty

Time

Price Category

Calories

ingredients

Steps

Prep and Season

Begin Confit

Slow Cook

Crisp and Serve

Extra Tips

► For the best results, use a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot for slow cooking.

► Don't forget to crisp up the meat at the end; this gives carnitas its true character.

► Serve with fresh cilantro, chopped onion, and lime wedges for the perfect flavor experience.

Nutrition