Ernesto’s Mexican Food Carnitas

Jun 04, 2023June 4, 20230 13

Ernesto's Mexican Food Carnitas - juicy and flavorful pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection

by The Chefin Mexican

Prep

20 min

Cook

3 hours 30 min

Ready In

4 hours

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

563

Sugar

25g

Fat

42g

Ernesto's Mexican Food Carnitas are a classic Mexican dish made from slow-cooked pork shoulder that is seasoned and then crisped up in a pan. The result is juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork that is packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a weekend cookout or a weeknight dinner and can be served in tacos, burritos, bowls, and even salads. The possibilities are endless! So grab your pork shoulder and get cooking.

Instructions

1.	Cut the pork shoulder into 6-inch cubes and remove any excess fat.
2.	Heat 8 ounces of canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
3.	Cut the orange and lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the pork. Add the garlic cloves, bay leaf, salt, and brown sugar to the pot.
4.	Add water to the pot until the pork is just covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
5.	Remove the pork from the pot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Heat the remaining 2.5 ounces of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy.
6.	Serve the carnitas with warm tortillas, diced onions, chopped cilantro, and your favorite salsa.

PROS

Ernesto’s Mexican Food Carnitas are packed with flavor and are incredibly versatile.
They can be served in tacos, burritos, bowls, and even salads.

The pork shoulder used in this recipe is relatively inexpensive and the recipe makes a large batch, making it a great option for feeding a crowd.

CONS

The simmering time for the pork is fairly long, which requires some planning ahead.
Additionally, the carnitas are high in fat and may not be the best option for those watching their saturated fat intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Ernesto’s Mexican Food Carnitas may not be the healthiest option out there, pork shoulder is a good source of protein and B vitamins.
Garlic, bay leaf, and cilantro have been shown to have health-promoting properties, including supporting immune function and reducing inflammation.

	1 pork shoulder ( remove fat and cut into 6-inch cubes )
	1 orange
	1/2 lemon
	10 1/2 ounces canola oil
	3 garlic cloves
	1/2 ounce salt
	bay leaf
	1 cup brown sugar