Crispy Pork Carnitas

Crispy Pork Carnitas
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    3 hrs 40 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    3 hrs 55 mins
  • SERVING
    6 People
  • VIEWS
    589

Experience the authentic taste of Mexico with these incredibly flavorful carnitas. Cubes of pork are infused with aromatic spices and slow-roasted to achieve a perfect balance of crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Ideal for tacos, burritos, or enjoyed on their own!

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    2 g
  • Cholesterol
    89 mg
  • Fiber
    0 g
  • Protein
    26 g
  • Saturated Fat
    6 g
  • Sodium
    1036 mg
  • Sugar
    0 g
  • Fat
    23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

DIRECTIONS

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Image Step 01
01 Step

Recipe View 10 mins Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Image Step 02
02 Step

Recipe View 15 mins Remove excess fat from the pork butt; cut the meat into 2-inch cubes and roughly chop the removed fat. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

Image Step 03
03 Step

Recipe View 10 mins In a large bowl, combine the pork and chopped fat with garlic, olive oil, orange peel, orange juice, salt, bay leaves, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and 5-spice powder. Ensure the pork is thoroughly coated in the spice mixture. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Image Step 04
04 Step

Recipe View 5 mins Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place on a baking sheet to prevent any spills. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Image Step 05
05 Step

Recipe View 3 hrs 30 mins Bake in the preheated oven until the pork is easily pierced with a fork and feels very tender, approximately 3 1/2 hours.

Image Step 06
06 Step

Recipe View 15 mins Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Remove the garlic cloves, orange peel strips, and bay leaves from the baking dish. Transfer the pork to a colander set over a bowl to drain the rendered fat and juices. Reserve the accumulated juices. Return the pork to the baking dish and drizzle with a portion of the reserved juices. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

Image Step 07
07 Step

Recipe View 5 mins Cook under the preheated broiler for 3 minutes, then drizzle with more of the reserved juices. Continue broiling until the pork is beautifully crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes longer, watching carefully to prevent burning. (Cook time: 3-5 minutes)

Image Step 08
08 Step

Recipe View 5 mins Transfer the crispy pork carnitas to a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining reserved juices. Serve immediately and enjoy! (Prep time: 5 minutes)

For extra crispy carnitas, spread the cooked pork in a single layer on a baking sheet before broiling.
Don't discard the rendered fat! It can be strained and used for cooking other dishes, adding a rich pork flavor.
Serve with warm tortillas, your favorite salsa, chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate taco experience.

Joseph Little

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.7/ 5 ( 196 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
  • Kari Considine

    I've made carnitas before, but this recipe is by far the best. The 5-spice powder adds a unique and delicious twist.

  • Luigi Oconnell

    The slow-roasting method makes the pork incredibly tender. Will definitely be making this again!

  • Darrel Hahn

    This recipe is a game changer! The carnitas were so flavorful and perfectly crispy.

  • Lucio Wilkinson

    Great recipe, easy to follow and the result was amazing, the orange with the 5 spice is great.

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