carnitas recipe serious eats

Carnitas Recipe

This carnitas recipe produces irresistibly tender pork with crisp, golden edges just like the carnitas found in traditional Mexican taquerias. Pork shoulder is gently slow-cooked with citrus, aromatics, and warm spices until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The meat is then briefly pan-crisped to create the signature contrast between juicy interior pieces and caramelized, flavorful bits.

The result is rich, savory pork that is deeply seasoned without being heavy, making it incredibly versatile. Serve these carnitas in tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or enjoy them straight from the skillet with a squeeze of lime and fresh toppings. This method is simple, reliable, and delivers authentic flavor with minimal effort.

carnitas recipe instant pot
carnitas recipe instant pot

Ingredients

  • 2 kg (4 lb) pork shoulder (pork butt), skinless and boneless
  • 2½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, deseeded and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice

Directions

  1. Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the pork evenly on all sides with salt and black pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the oregano, cumin, and olive oil. Rub this mixture generously over the pork, coating it evenly.
  4. Place the seasoned pork into a slow cooker with the fat side facing up.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped onion, jalapeño, and minced garlic over and around the pork.
  6. Pour the fresh orange juice evenly over the meat and vegetables.
  7. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  8. Transfer the pork to a large plate or cutting board and let it cool slightly. Shred it into large chunks using two forks.
  9. If desired, skim excess fat from the cooking liquid and reserve the juices for crisping.
  10. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add a small amount of oil. Working in batches, add the shredded pork and drizzle lightly with the reserved juices. Cook until the bottom is deeply golden and crisp.
  11. Flip the pork once to lightly crisp the other side, then remove from the pan. Repeat with the remaining pork. Drizzle with a bit more reserved juice just before serving.
carnitas recipe pressure cooker
carnitas recipe pressure cooker

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 10–12