Chipotle-Style Braised Pork Carnitas
Experience the bold flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with this Chipotle-Style Braised Pork Carnitas recipe. Inspired by Chef Steve Ells of Chipotle Mexican Grill, this dish features a succulent, slow-cooked pork shoulder that melts in your mouth. Marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables, this recipe captures the essence of Mexican comfort food. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or served alongside your favorite sides, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Shoulder, boneless
6 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
Olive Oil
2-3 tablespoons (for searing)
Onion
1 (thinly sliced)
Tomatoes
4 medium (diced)
Garlic Cloves
4-6 (minced)
Cumin Powder
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh Oregano
2-4 sprigs (whole)
Whole Cloves
2 (for flavoring)
Bay Leaves
2 (for flavoring)
Dried Chipotle Chiles
2 (for smokiness)
Water or Meat Stock
3/4 cup (for braising)
Salt and Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Generously season the boneless pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Let the meat sit at room temperature for about 2 hours, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
2
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
3
In a large, heavy-duty ovenproof pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully sear the pork shoulder until it forms a deep brown crust on all sides, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once browned, remove the pork from the pan and transfer it to a platter to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.
4
While the pork is resting, carefully drain any excess oil from the pan, leaving a thin layer to sauté the vegetables. Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan and sweat them over low heat until they become soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
5
Return the seared pork to the pan with the onions. Dice the tomatoes and add them, along with minced garlic, cumin powder, oregano sprigs, whole cloves, bay leaves, dried chipotle chiles, and water or meat stock. Stir gently to combine.
6
Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches between 140 to 150 degrees F (60 to 65 degrees C). This slow cooking process will ensure the pork is tender and flavorful.
7
After cooking, remove the pan from the oven and let the pork rest for another 10 to 15 minutes before slicing or shredding. Use the meat for tacos, burritos, or serve alongside roasted vegetables and potatoes for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this pork carnitas recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Chef Steve Ells of Chipotle Mexican Grill and features traditional Mexican flavors.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 lbs of boneless pork shoulder.
How should the pork shoulder be prepared before seasoning?
The pork shoulder should be trimmed of excess fat.
How long should the seasoned pork rest at room temperature?
Let the pork sit at room temperature for about 2 hours after seasoning with salt and pepper.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
What type of oil is used to sear the pork?
The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for searing.
How long does it take to sear the pork shoulder?
Searing takes approximately 15-20 minutes until a deep brown crust forms on all sides.
Should the pork rest after it has been seared?
Yes, remove the pork from the pan and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
How are the onions prepared for this dish?
The onion should be thinly sliced.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
Sweat the onions over low heat for 8-10 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
How many tomatoes are used and how are they prepared?
Use 4 medium tomatoes that have been diced.
How much garlic is required for the braising liquid?
The recipe requires 4-6 minced garlic cloves.
What amount of cumin powder is recommended?
Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cumin powder to taste.
What type of oregano is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2-4 sprigs of fresh whole oregano.
How many whole cloves are added for flavoring?
Two whole cloves are added to the braising mixture.
How many bay leaves are needed?
Two bay leaves are used for flavoring.
What ingredient provides the smokiness to the carnitas?
Two dried chipotle chiles are used for smokiness.
What liquid options can be used for braising?
You can use 3/4 cup of either water or meat stock.
How long does the pork cook in the oven?
The pork should cook for 2 to 3 hours in the preheated oven.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork is done when the internal temperature reaches between 140 to 150 degrees F (60 to 65 degrees C).
How long should the pork rest after the final cooking process?
Let the pork rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.
What are some popular ways to serve these carnitas?
The pork is perfect for tacos, burritos, or served alongside roasted vegetables and potatoes.
Does the pan need a lid while cooking in the oven?
Yes, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid before placing it in the oven.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used in this recipe.
What type of pan is recommended for this recipe?
A large, heavy-duty ovenproof pan should be used.
What herbs are left whole during the cooking process?
Fresh oregano sprigs, whole cloves, and bay leaves are left whole for flavoring.
When should the pork be seasoned?
The pork should be seasoned generously with salt and pepper before it rests for 2 hours.
What flavor profile does this dish offer?
It offers bold flavors, fragrance from herbs and spices, and a smoky essence from dried chipotles.
Can I use meat stock instead of water?
Yes, meat stock is a recommended alternative to water for the braising liquid.
Is this recipe considered Mexican comfort food?
Yes, it captures the essence of Mexican comfort food.