If you've ever craved the comforting, savory, and slightly sweet taste of authentic Mexican carnitas, you're in the right place. This Traditional Pork Carnitas recipe captures the essence of the dish with simple ingredients, resulting in tender, juicy pork with irresistibly crispy edges.
The star of this dish is the pork shoulder, known for its marbling that renders beautifully for tender, flavorful meat. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing out the pork's natural flavors. Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that complements the pork. The onion and garlic serve as aromatic foundations, infusing the meat as it cooks. Orange juice and lime juice lend the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, while Coca-Cola adds a subtle caramelization and sweetness. Finally, bay leaves provide a hint of herbal complexity to round out the dish.
These carnitas are perfect for tacos — just grab some corn tortillas, top with the pork, and add your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. They also make a delicious filling for burritos or quesadillas. For a lighter option, serve over a salad with avocado and a light vinaigrette.
First things first, preheat your oven to 300°F. While that's warming up, take your pork shoulder and season it generously with salt, black pepper, and cumin. You want to make sure every inch is covered to get that flavor into the meat.
Next, place the seasoned pork in a large oven-safe pot. Add the onion halves, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, Coca-Cola, and bay leaves into the pot. Each ingredient plays its part, so just layer them in as you go.
Cover the pot and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it cook for about 3.5 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork. This is the part where patience pays off.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shredded pork. Fry the meat until the edges are crispy, stirring occasionally to get an even crispiness.
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