Pork Carnitas

10m
Prep Time
2h
Cook Time
2h 10m
Ready In

Recipe: #3953

January 08, 2012

Categories: Oven Roast,



"I have always loved Mexican food, but nothing compared to Carnitas. My ex-husband made these for me (in fact in our divorce I wanted his recipes for Guacamole, Carnitas, and Sweet & Sour Pot Roast....I think I made the best deal). I have tried them in many places, and this is what works best for me. Feel free to add more spices if needed, I keep it mild so I can taste everything, but add some heat later."

Original is 8 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (199.3 g)
  • Calories 460.9
  • Total Fat - 30.1 g
  • Saturated Fat - 11.2 g
  • Cholesterol - 166.6 mg
  • Sodium - 138.5 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 1.6 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 0.3 g
  • Sugars - 0.7 g
  • Protein - 42.9 g
  • Calcium - 55.5 mg
  • Iron - 3.3 mg
  • Vitamin C - 3 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.9 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

You will want a piece of pork with some marbling, but not really fatty (You can trim the excess fat if it is too much for you)

Step 2

Rub the meat on all sides with olive oil.

Step 3

Mix the lime zest, garlic, salt & pepper

Step 4

Cover the meat on all sides with the garlic mixture. I use more pepper than salt, and usually have a good coating of pepper on all sides. I have found that it may be easier to cut the pork in large chunks to help in seasoning it all really well.

Step 5

Squeeze the lime juice over all the meat (if meat is cut in large pieces feel free to mix with your hands to ensure good coverage)

Step 6

Wrap meat in aluminum foil, then roast in a 350 oven. At least 2 hours may take as much as 4. You want the meat to shred with a fork.

Step 7

Use as filling for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc I prefer some crispy pieces so I usually pull it apart then put back in the oven another 30 mins or so to get those crispy pieces in it.

Step 8

I keep this on the mild side, since not everyone here likes it super hot. I add hot sauce, salsa, hot peppers when I make my tacos, but the meat is still pretty mild for those who are spice intolerant

Tips


No special items needed.

1 Reviews

Valerie

I made this to use in enchiladas. Good balance of flavor in the meat. I can see why you wanted the recipe!

5.0

review by:
(1 Dec 2012)

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