Savory Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas
Indulge in the rich, flavorful experience of Savory Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas, perfect for taco nights or casual gatherings. This traditional Mexican dish features succulent pork shoulder slowly simmered to perfection, then crisped to add delightful texture. Infused with tangy lime juice and a hint of sweetness from caramelized sugar, these carnitas will be a hit at the dinner table. Serve them with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, and diced onions for a mouthwatering meal that brings everyone together.
4
Servings
700
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Cushion
5 lbs (Cut into large chunks)
Salt
15 ounces (For seasoning)
Lime Juice
12 ounces (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Sugar
6 ounces (Granulated, for caramelizing)
Lard
1/2 gallon (For frying)
Instructions
1
In a large stock pot, heat the lard over medium heat until it reaches a simmering temperature, about 10 minutes.
2
Cut the pork cushion into large chunks to ensure even cooking and add to the heated lard. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
3
After simmering, carefully pour the lime juice over the meat, cover, and allow to cook for an additional 30 minutes to absorb the tangy flavors.
4
In a separate saucepan, add the sugar and heat over medium until melted and caramelized, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once caramelized, remove from heat.
5
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a baking sheet. Drizzle the caramelized sugar over the meat, then shred the pork using two forks.
6
To finish, preheat the oven to broil. Spread the shredded pork on the baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until the edges are crispy. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
57.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas?
It is a traditional Mexican dish featuring succulent pork cushion slowly simmered in lard and then crisped for texture.
What cut of meat is used for this carnitas recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of pork cushion, cut into large chunks.
How much lard is required for cooking?
You will need 1/2 gallon of lard for frying the pork.
How long does the pork simmer initially?
The pork cushion chunks should simmer uncovered in the lard for 1 hour.
When should I add the lime juice to the pork?
Add 12 ounces of lime juice after the initial 1 hour of simmering.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of granulated sugar.
How do you prepare the sugar for the carnitas?
The sugar is melted and caramelized in a separate saucepan over medium heat until liquid.
What is the final step to make the carnitas crispy?
Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of these carnitas?
Each serving contains 700 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 57.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 37.5g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 11.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long do you cook the pork after adding the lime juice?
Cook the meat for an additional 30 minutes while covered.
What tools should be used to shred the pork?
The pork should be shredded using two forks after it is cooked and removed from the pot.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
It is recommended to serve with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, and diced onions.
How much salt is included in the ingredient list?
The recipe calls for 15 ounces of salt for seasoning.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 5 main ingredients: pork cushion, salt, lime juice, sugar, and lard.
Is the pork cooked covered or uncovered?
It simmers uncovered for the first hour and covered for the final 30 minutes.
How long does it take to heat the lard?
It takes about 10 minutes over medium heat to reach a simmering temperature.
What temperature should the oven be for crisping?
The oven should be set to the broil setting.
What flavor profile does the lime juice provide?
The lime juice adds a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the pork.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This dish is categorized as Mexican cuisine.
Is this recipe suitable for taco nights?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being perfect for taco nights and casual gatherings.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
No fiber content is listed for this specific recipe.
How should the pork cushion be cut?
It should be cut into large chunks to ensure even cooking.
What does the caramelized sugar add to the dish?
It adds a hint of sweetness and helps with the texture and browning of the meat.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Yes, the recipe allows for either freshly squeezed or bottled lime juice.
Is this considered a slow-cooked dish?
Yes, it is described as a slow-cooked pork recipe requiring simmering and broiling.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include carnitas, pork, Mexican cuisine, slow-cooked, tacos, and comfort food.