Budget Crispy Pork Carnitas Recipe Is What to Cook This Week by 30Seconds Food


Budget Crispy Pork Carnitas Recipe Is What to Cook This Week

This easy pork carnitas recipe is loaded with authentic flavors and is so versatile. The budget recipe is made with a pork butt, which in an inexpensive cut of pork that can feed a large family. The crispy pork carnitas can be cooked in the oven or in your slow cooker. Perfect!

For these Mexican carnitas, you'll need a 3- to 4-pound pork butt, ground cumin, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, an onion, fresh garlic, two oranges and two limes. The pork is seasoned with the spices and put into a dutch oven or slow cooker, then the orange and lime juice is added (toss the squeeze oranges and limes into the pot, too). The meat cooks until it's fall-apart tender. To crisp it up before serving, broil the shredded meat for a few minutes (watch closely so it doesn't burn!).

Pile the crispy pork into tortillas and top with guacamolepico de gallo, salsaroasted salsa verde, avocado tomatillo sauce or your favorite green sauce, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro and chopped onions. Use the shredded pork for tacos, burritos, enchiladas or serve with cilantro rice and refried beans.

Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 8 hours
Total Time: 10 minutes plus 3 to 8 hours

Ingredients

  • 1 3- to 4-pound boneless pork butt   
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 1 onion, cut into wedges
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 oranges, juiced and remains saved
  • 2 limes, juiced and remains saved

Here's how to make it: 

  1. Put the pork butt into a Dutch oven or slow cooker. Season with the cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Rub the seasoning into the meat to cover completely. 
  2. Add the onion, garlic, orange and lime juice, and the remaining oranges and limes after juicing. 
  3. If cooking in the oven, cover with a lid and bake in a preheated 300-degree F oven for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
  4. If cooking in a slow cooker, cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
  5. When meat is tender, shred and return to the pot. If you want crispier carnitas, lay the shredded meat on a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for about 5 minutes.

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Cassiday
This looks amazing! 😍
Julie Rose
I love carnitas. Never made them at home before...
Elisa Schmitz
So delicious! I'm a fan!!
Trevor3999
Followed the recipe to the tee. Not a fan. Bitter tasting.
Donna John
I'm sorry you did not enjoy it, @terry3999. Can't imagine what would have made it bitter. The pith on the spent citrus maybe? Again, sorry you didn't enjoy the recipe. Any tips you can share on why you think it was bitter?

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