Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Spices

PorkMexicanDinnerHigh ProteinSlow CookingOccasion
Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Spices styled food shot

Carnitas, which means "little meats" in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish of tender, flavorful pork that's slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then crisped to perfection. This version balances the richness of pork shoulder with bright citrus notes and aromatic spices, creating a versatile dish that can be served in tacos, burritos, or as a standalone entrée with rice and beans.

Listen to the podcast!

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
3 hrs
Serves
6 servings
Difficulty
medium
Print

Recipe Assistant

Hello! I can help modify this recipe. What changes would you like to make?

Ingredients

Ingredients

Techniques: slow cooking, braising, reducing, broiling, meat shredding

Equipment Needed

  • Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs
  • Citrus juicer
  • Microplane or zester
  • Baking sheet (optional, for broiling)
  • Paper towels

These carnitas combine traditional Mexican techniques with accessible ingredients to create tender, flavorful pork that's crispy on the outside and succulent inside. The key is patience during the slow-cooking process and allowing the meat to crisp in its own rendered fat at the end.

For the best flavor, don't rush the cooking process. The slow simmer allows the pork to become tender while absorbing all the citrus and spice flavors. Leftover carnitas can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, spread on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and crispy.

Important Allergy Notice: While we strive to provide accurate ingredient information, please be aware that our recipes may contain common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, and fish. Always check ingredient labels carefully and consult your healthcare provider if you have any food allergies before preparing any recipe from this site.