We like to call these Mexican Pork Carnitas "the best carnitas you'll ever eat in your whole life." Yes, they're that good. The meat is super flavorful and tender with lots of magical crispy bits. You'll love it!
Ingredients
The Spice Rub
2teaspoonsEACH: salt and paprika
1teaspoonEACH: black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano
Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes, if you like it a little spicy
The Pork Carnitas
2 ½lbpork butt, or pork shoulder
Juice from 2 oranges
Juice from 2 limes
1tablespoonhoney, omit for sugar-free
4clovesgarlic, minced
2bay leaves
1tablespoonavocado oil
Instructions
Mix the spice rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Evenly coat all sides of the pork with the spice rub.
2 teaspoons EACH: salt and paprika, 1 teaspoon EACH: black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano, Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Add the orange juice, lime juice, honey (if using), garlic, and bay leaves to your pot. Stir then set the pork on top.
Juice from 2 oranges, Juice from 2 limes, 1 tablespoon honey, 4 cloves garlic, 2 bay leaves, 2 ½ lb pork butt
Choose which method you will cook the pork carnitas and follow those directions.
When the pork is very tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using 2 forks. Turn your oven to broil.
Pour the cooking juices into a pot and boil for 10 minutes, or until it is reduced to about ½ cup.
Place the shredded pork on a large, rimmed baking sheet, drizzle it with the avocado oil, and put it on the top rack in your oven. Let it broil for 10 minutes then mix the pork around and broil for 10 minutes more.
1 tablespoon avocado oil
Pour the reduced cooking liquid over the pork and toss to coat.
Stovetop cooking method
Bring the pot to a boil then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Simmer very gently for 5-6 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
Oven cooking method
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the pot and put it in your oven for 7-8 hours, or until the pork is very tender.