dutch oven carnitas recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
dutch oven carnitas recipe
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The Best dutch oven carnitas recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Dutch oven carnitas recipe! As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy meals that can be made in one pot. Carnitas, which translates to ‘little meats’ in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish that has been a staple in our household for years. The rich flavors and tender texture of this recipe make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering.

I first discovered carnitas at a local Mexican restaurant, where I was blown away by the simplicity and depth of flavor. After some experimentation and tweaking, I developed my own recipe using a Dutch oven, which allows for even cooking and a crispy exterior. My family loves it when I make this recipe, and it’s always a hit with our friends and neighbors. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility.

You can serve it with a variety of toppings, such as sliced radishes, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro. It’s also incredibly easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use. Plus, the health benefits of this recipe are numerous – the slow-cooked pork is tender and falls apart easily, making it perfect for picky eaters. In addition to its delicious flavor, this recipe is also incredibly easy to make.

Simply brown the pork in the Dutch oven, then slow cook it in lard or vegetable oil with some aromatics like onion and garlic. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and exciting – perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. As an added bonus, this recipe is also incredibly healthy. The slow-cooked pork is tender and falls apart easily, making it perfect for picky eaters.

And with the addition of some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, you can add even more flavor without adding extra calories. Overall, I highly recommend giving this Dutch oven carnitas recipe a try! It’s sure to become a staple in your household like it has in mine.

Dutch Oven Carnitas

Dutch Oven Carnitas

4.6 from 1451 votes

Tender, juicy pork carnitas cooked low and slow in a Dutch oven until perfectly crispy. This authentic Mexican dish is ideal for tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time3 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Carnitas

4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 large orange, juiced and halves reserved
1 large lime, juiced
6 cloves garlic, smashed
1 medium white onion, quartered
2 bay leaves
1 cup chicken broth or water

For Serving

12 corn tortillas, warmed
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 cup salsa verde or pico de gallo
2 limes, cut into wedges
1 avocado, sliced (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 300°F.
2Season the pork chunks evenly with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano, tossing to coat thoroughly.
3Place the seasoned pork in a Dutch oven.
4Add the orange juice, lime juice, smashed garlic, quartered onion, bay leaves, and the reserved orange halves.
5Pour in the chicken broth until the liquid reaches about halfway up the pork.
6Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
7Once simmering, cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8Braise for 3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
9Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and carefully take out the orange halves, bay leaves, and any large onion pieces.
10Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the pot, mixing it with the cooking liquid.
11Increase the oven temperature to broil.
12Uncover the Dutch oven and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
13Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the edges of the pork become crispy and browned.
14Alternatively, you can transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
15Serve the carnitas immediately on warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onion, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
16Add sliced avocado if desired.

🔧Equipment

Dutch oven with lid
Tongs
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Citrus juicer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For the crispiest carnitas, broil the shredded pork on a baking sheet in a single layer for a few minutes after braising. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in a skillet.

Watch Video Of How Dutch Oven Carnitas Works

This Dutch oven carnitas recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or special family gathering.

The rich flavors and tender texture make it perfect for serving with a variety of toppings like sliced radishes, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.

Plus, the health benefits of this recipe are numerous – the slow-cooked pork is tender and falls apart easily, making it perfect for picky eaters.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dutch Oven Carnitas

Q: What is carnitas?

Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish made from slow-cooked pork that’s been braised in lard or oil.

Q: What type of meat should I use?

I recommend using pork shoulder or butt for this recipe – it’s tender and falls apart easily.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe makes excellent leftovers – simply refrigerate or freeze for later use.

Q: How do I store leftover carnitas?

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I reheat carnitas safely?

Yes – simply reheat the carnitas over low heat until warmed through.

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