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Carnitas
Created by: Howcan Team
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the pork chunks with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon oregano until evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork chunks and sear on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, sliced jalapeno, and the juice of 1 orange to the Dutch oven with the pork. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
- Cover the Dutch oven and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork chunks to a baking sheet. Shred the pork using two forks.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork in batches and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes per batch.
- Serve the crispy carnitas in tacos, burritos, or as a topping for rice bowls. Enjoy!
Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish, originated in the state of Michoacán. This slow-cooked pork dish has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The word "carnitas" translates to "little meats," and it's made by simmering pork in lard until tender, then crisping it up for a delicious texture. The dish is often seasoned with herbs and spices like oregano, cumin, and orange peel, giving it a unique flavor profile. Today, the best carnitas can be found in the markets and street stalls of Michoacán, where skilled chefs continue to prepare this beloved dish using traditional methods. The key to perfect carnitas lies in the quality of the pork and the slow cooking process, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. While the traditional method uses lard for cooking, there are also alternative recipes that use different cooking techniques such as slow roasting or braising to achieve similar results. Whether enjoyed in a taco, burrito, or on its own, carnitas remains a staple of Mexican cuisine, loved for its rich history and irresistible taste.
200 min
6
380 calories
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