Crispy Pork Carnitas is a beloved dish with deep roots in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally slow-cooked until tender and then crisped to perfection, it's a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, or even on its own. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this guide will walk you through the steps to create delicious and authentic Crispy Pork Carnitas right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make a family-sized portion of Crispy Pork Carnitas, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, cut in half
- 1 lime, cut in half
- 1/2 cup pork lard or vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
- Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork chunks with salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Ensure the pork is evenly coated.
- Cooking: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the seasoned pork, onion, bay leaves, oregano, and minced garlic.
2. Cook the Pork
- Liquid: Squeeze the juice of the orange and lime over the pork, and then add the squeezed halves into the pot.
- Add Water: Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the pork.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
3. Crisp the Pork
- Remove the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot with a slotted spoon and place it on a baking sheet. Discard the onion, bay leaves, and citrus halves.
- Shred: Using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces.
- Crisp: In a large skillet, heat the pork lard or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork and cook, occasionally stirring, until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Carnitas
- Patience is Key: Slow cooking the pork allows it to become tender and flavorful.
- Oil Matters: Using pork lard will give you a more authentic taste, but vegetable oil works well too.
- Don't Overcrowd: When crisping the pork, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures each piece gets crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Pork Carnitas can be served in various ways:
- Tacos: Warm corn tortillas, add carnitas, and top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Burritos: Wrap the carnitas in a flour tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite salsa.
- Bowls: Serve over rice with black beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the carnitas in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and crisp in a skillet before serving.
Conclusion
Creating Crispy Pork Carnitas at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the flavors of Mexico to your kitchen. With these step-by-step instructions, you'll be able to prepare tender, crispy carnitas that your family and friends will love. Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delicious results!
Happy cooking!
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