Savory Slow-Cooked Mexican Pork Carnitas
Discover the rich flavors of authentic Mexican Carnitas with this easy and delectable slow-cooked recipe. This Savory Slow-Cooked Mexican Pork Carnitas serves as a perfect centerpiece for any meal, making it ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings. The pork shoulder is tenderized in melted lard, allowing the meat to absorb all the savory seasonings. Once cooked, the pork can be crisped under the broiler for a delightful texture. Serve in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish accompanied by rice and beans. This recipe is an inviting way to bring a taste of Mexico into your home!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork shoulder, boneless
2 lbs (cut into 7 pieces)
Salt
as needed (for seasoning)
Fresh lard
2 cups (melted)
Instructions
1
Start by turning your crockpot (slow cooker) to high heat.
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the fresh lard until fully melted. Carefully remove from the microwave and pour it into the bottom of the crockpot.
3
Prepare the pork shoulder by cutting it into approximately 7 evenly sized pieces. Generously sprinkle salt over the pork pieces to enhance the flavor.
4
Arrange the seasoned pork pieces in the crockpot, ensuring that there is adequate space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
5
Cover the crockpot and let the pork shoulder cook on high for approximately 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
6
Optional: For added texture and flavor, after the meat is cooked, you can place the cooked carnitas under the broiler for a few minutes until the edges become crisp and caramelized.
7
Serve the tender carnitas in warm tortillas, or as part of your favorite Mexican dish, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Mexican Pork Carnitas?
It is an authentic Mexican recipe featuring tenderized pork shoulder slow-cooked in melted lard for a rich flavor.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of boneless pork shoulder.
How many ingredients are needed to make these carnitas?
There are 3 main ingredients: boneless pork shoulder, salt, and fresh lard.
How should the pork shoulder be prepared?
The pork shoulder should be cut into approximately 7 evenly sized pieces and seasoned generously with salt.
What is the cooking method for this dish?
The carnitas are prepared using a crockpot or slow cooker on high heat.
How long do the carnitas take to cook?
The meat should cook on high for approximately 6 to 8 hours.
How do you prepare the lard for the slow cooker?
Heat the fresh lard in a microwave-safe bowl until fully melted before pouring it into the crockpot.
When should the lard be added to the crockpot?
The melted lard should be poured into the bottom of the crockpot before adding the meat.
How should the pork pieces be arranged in the crockpot?
Arrange the seasoned pork pieces ensuring there is adequate space between each for even cooking.
How do you know when the carnitas are done?
The pork is ready when it is fork-tender and easily shreds.
How can I make the carnitas crispy?
You can place the cooked meat under the broiler for a few minutes until the edges are crisp and caramelized.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the serving suggestions for Mexican Pork Carnitas?
Serve them in warm tortillas as tacos, in burritos, or as a main dish with rice and beans.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or festive gatherings.
What is the purpose of the lard in this recipe?
The lard tenderizes the meat and allows it to absorb savory seasonings during the slow-cooking process.
Should the crockpot be covered?
Yes, you must cover the crockpot while the pork shoulder cooks.
What setting should the slow cooker be on?
The slow cooker should be set to high heat for this recipe.
What is the category of this recipe?
The category for this recipe is Mexican cuisine.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include carnitas, slow cooker, pork shoulder, easy dinner, tacos, and comfort food.
Is the broiler step mandatory?
No, the broiler step is optional but recommended for added texture and flavor.
Does the recipe use boneless or bone-in pork?
The recipe specifies using boneless pork shoulder.
How much salt should be used?
Salt should be used as needed to generously season the meat.
Can I use this recipe for tacos?
Yes, the recipe is specifically recommended for serving in tacos.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as an easy and delectable slow-cooked recipe.
What amount of lard is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh lard.
How many pieces is the pork cut into?
The pork is cut into approximately 7 pieces.
What is the texture of the finished meat?
The meat is tender and shredded, with optional crisp, caramelized edges.
What is the recipe ID?
The recipe ID is savory-slow-cooked-mexican-pork-carnitas.
Can the lard be melted in a microwave?
Yes, the instructions suggest using a microwave-safe bowl to melt the lard.
Does this recipe provide nutritional information?
The provided data does not include specific calorie, fat, carbohydrate, or protein counts.