Savory Citrus-Infused Pork Carnitas
Discover the rich and vibrant flavors of my Savory Citrus-Infused Pork Carnitas, a mouthwatering dish that elevates your culinary experience without demanding too much of your time. This recipe is designed to create tender, juicy pork that melts in your mouth, infused with the zesty brightness of orange juice and a perfect blend of spices. You'll find that making a little extra is always a good idea, as the leftovers are incredibly versatile—perfect for transforming into tantalizing taco salads, hearty BBQ pork sandwiches, or simply enjoyed on their own. Embrace the aromatic essence and invite everyone to the table for a delicious feast!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork roast (tenderloin preferred)
2-3 lb (cut into large chunks)
Orange juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Water
as needed (to cover the meat)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the pork roast (tenderloin works best) into large 1 to 2-inch chunks. Remember to retain the fat, as it adds flavor and tenderness to your carnitas.
2
Place the pork chunks in a large pot or Dutch oven, and pour in the cup of fresh orange juice.
3
Sprinkle the cumin and garlic powder evenly over the meat, followed by salt and pepper to taste.
4
Add enough water to just cover the meat (it's perfectly fine if it's not fully submerged).
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. It’s crucial to let it simmer uncovered for 2 hours without stirring or disturbing the meat.
6
After 2 hours, you should see a reduction in the liquid, leaving approximately an inch or less in the pot.
7
Increase the heat to medium-high and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart and stir the meat. You want to achieve a texture that’s a delightful mix of chunks and shreds.
8
Allow the meat to cook further, letting it brown and crisp up as the remaining liquid evaporates, giving you that perfect carnitas texture.
9
Once done, remove from heat and serve the carnitas warm. Enjoy them in tacos, burritos, or however you like!
Nutrition Information
5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of these pork carnitas?
The dish features rich and vibrant flavors with zesty brightness from orange juice and a savory blend of cumin and garlic.
What cut of pork is recommended for this recipe?
A pork roast is used, with pork tenderloin being the preferred cut for the best results.
Should I trim the fat off the pork before cooking?
No, you should retain the fat when cutting the pork into chunks because it adds flavor and tenderness to the carnitas.
How large should the pork chunks be?
The pork roast should be cut into large chunks measuring approximately 1 to 2 inches.
Can I use store-bought orange juice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or store-bought orange juice.
How much orange juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of orange juice to infuse the meat.
What spices are included in the seasoning blend?
The seasoning consists of one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
How much water should be added to the pot?
Add enough water to just cover the meat, though it is acceptable if the meat is not entirely submerged.
Should the pot be covered while the pork simmers?
No, the mixture should be simmered uncovered for the duration of the cooking time.
How long does the pork need to simmer?
The meat needs to simmer gently for a total of 2 hours.
Is it necessary to stir the meat while it is simmering?
No, it is crucial to let it simmer for 2 hours without stirring or disturbing the meat at all.
What should the liquid level look like after 2 hours of simmering?
The liquid should have reduced significantly, leaving only about an inch or less in the bottom of the pot.
How do I shred the meat after the simmering is complete?
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart and stir the meat until you achieve a mix of chunks and shreds.
How do I get the crispy texture typical of carnitas?
Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the meat to brown and crisp up as the remaining liquid evaporates.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
One serving of these carnitas contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 30g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in these carnitas?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, making extra is recommended as the leftovers are very versatile for different meals throughout the week.
What are some ways to serve leftover carnitas?
Leftovers can be used for taco salads, BBQ pork sandwiches, or burritos.
What kind of cooking vessel is best for this recipe?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for preparing these carnitas.
What heat setting should be used for the initial 2-hour cook?
The mixture should be brought to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients: pork, orange juice, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and water.
Can I serve these carnitas in tacos?
Yes, serving them in tacos is one of the most popular ways to enjoy this recipe.
Is this a time-consuming recipe to prepare?
The recipe is designed to be easy and elevate your culinary experience without demanding too much of your active time.
How much pork roast is required?
You will need between 2 and 3 lbs of pork roast.
What category of cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized as Mexican cuisine.
When should I add the cumin and garlic powder?
The spices should be sprinkled evenly over the meat after the pork and orange juice are placed in the pot.
Is salt and pepper added in specific amounts?
No, salt and pepper are added to taste according to your personal preference.
Can the carnitas be eaten on their own?
Yes, they are flavorful enough to be enjoyed simply on their own.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The final texture is a delightful mix of tender chunks and crispy shredded meat.