Print

Crispy Tender Pork Carnitas Fiesta Recipe Easy Homemade Mexican Dinner

crispy tender pork carnitas fiesta - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers crispy edges with tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork infused with zesty citrus and warm spices. Perfect for a quick, authentic Mexican dinner that pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for crisping)
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced onions, sliced radishes, warm corn tortillas, favorite salsa

Instructions

  1. Cut pork shoulder into 3-inch chunks, trimming excess fat but leaving some for moisture (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir well to make the marinade.
  3. Place pork pieces in a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Pour marinade over pork, add quartered onion and bay leaves. Add enough water to cover pork halfway (about 2 cups). Let sit 15 minutes if possible.
  4. Bring pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Cover with lid slightly ajar and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until pork is tender and falls apart easily. Skim foam and add water as needed every 45 minutes.
  5. Remove pork with tongs and place on a large baking sheet. Shred pork into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Discard bay leaves and onion quarters.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add shredded pork in batches, pressing lightly to form a thin layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. Flip and crisp the other side for 2 minutes. Alternatively, spread pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully.
  7. Serve carnitas on warm tortillas topped with diced onions, fresh cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Do not rush the crisping step to achieve perfect crunchy edges. If pork seems dry before crisping, drizzle reserved cooking liquid over it. Shred pork while warm to prevent drying out. Avoid overcrowding the pan when crisping to ensure browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork carnitas, crispy pork, Mexican dinner, slow cooked pork, easy carnitas, homemade carnitas, fiesta recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-tender-pork-carnitas-fiesta-recipe-easy-homemade-mexican-dinner/