Manteca Fried Carnitas

May 27, 2023May 27, 20230 3

Crispy and savory Manteca Fried Carnitas recipe

by The Chefin Main

Prep

15 min

Cook

2 hours

Ready In

2 hours and 15 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

	1 gallon lard for frying ( manteca )
	5 pounds boneless pork shoulder , cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
	6 bay leaves
	2 tablespoons kosher salt
	1 1/2 teaspoons coarse ground black pepper
	2 large onions , quartered
	3 whole garlic cloves
	1 large orange , halved

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

6-8

Calories

400

Sugar

Fat

35g

Manteca Fried Carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish made from pork that has been slow-cooked in lard until crispy. This dish boasts a vibrant history and has become a popular street food in many parts of Mexico. While some may shy away from the amount of lard used in this recipe, it adds to the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Instructions

1.	Place the lard and pork shoulder cubes in a large, heavy-bottomed pot on medium-high heat and fry until the pork is golden brown and crispy, about 30-40 minutes.
2.	Remove the pork from the pot and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
3.	In the same pot, add the bay leaves, kosher salt, black pepper, onions, garlic cloves, and orange halves.
4.	Return the fried pork to the pot and mix everything together well.
5.	Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together.

PROS

These Manteca Fried Carnitas are crispy, savory, and packed with flavor.

The slow-cooked pork will melt in your mouth, and the ingredients used in this recipe make for an unforgettable taste experience.

CONS

This recipe uses a lot of lard for frying, making it a high-fat dish that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Additionally, the cooking process is relatively long, so this recipe requires some patience to make.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While not the healthiest meal option, pork shoulder is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals like zinc.
Additionally, the use of garlic and onion in this recipe offers numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.