Tender and Flavorful Low-Fat Carnitas
This Tender and Flavorful Low-Fat Carnitas recipe is perfect for those who love the rich flavors of traditional carnitas but want a healthier twist. Made with lean pork loin and simmered in a savory combination of spices and broth, this dish is not only low in fat but also high in flavor. Whether you serve it in tacos, burritos, or as a topping for salads, these carnitas will impress your family and friends. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that showcases the goodness of pulled pork, leaving you with a delectable and low-calorie option for your gatherings.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork loin
4 (cut into very large pieces)
Chicken broth
1.5 (quarts)
Onion
1 (large, quartered)
Cumin
1 (tablespoon)
Coriander
1 (tablespoon)
Dried oregano
2 (teaspoons)
Chipotle chiles
4 (canned or dry)
Bay leaves
2 (whole)
Water
to taste (for covering pork)
Salt
to taste (for flavor)
Instructions
1
In a 7- to 8-quart pan, combine the pork loin, chicken broth, quartered onion, cumin, coriander, oregano, chipotle chiles, bay leaves, and enough water to fully submerge the pork.
2
Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
3
Once cooked, strain the broth to remove any solids, and set aside.
4
To keep the pork moist, cover it with a portion of the strained broth, reserving any extra broth for use in other recipes like Spiced Black Beans.
5
Preheat the oven broiler. Shred the pork into large pieces and spread them out in a shallow baking dish.
6
Drizzle some of the reserved broth over the shredded pork to keep it moist, then broil for a few minutes until the edges are slightly crisp.
7
Carefully turn the pork, moisten with broth if needed, and broil again until nicely browned. Serve immediately in tacos or as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tender and Flavorful Low-Fat Carnitas?
This is a healthier version of traditional Mexican pulled pork, made with lean pork loin and savory spices to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
What cut of meat is used for these low-fat carnitas?
This recipe specifically uses pork loin, which is much leaner than the pork shoulder or butt traditionally used in carnitas.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The pork needs to simmer for approximately 2 to 3 hours until it is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
How do you make the carnitas crispy if they are boiled?
After shredding the cooked pork, you spread it in a shallow dish and broil it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp the edges.
What liquid is used to simmer the pork?
The pork is simmered in a combination of chicken broth, water, and juices from the aromatics.
Are these carnitas spicy?
The recipe includes chipotle chiles, which provide a smoky heat, but the spice level can be adjusted by adding more or fewer chiles.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 12 people.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, while the instructions mention a pan on the stove, you can adapt this for a slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
What spices are used in the seasoning?
The primary spices used are cumin, coriander, and dried oregano.
How should I prep the onion?
One large onion should be quartered before being added to the simmering pot.
Do I need to keep the cooking liquid?
Yes, you should strain and reserve the broth to keep the pork moist after shredding and for use in other recipes.
What are some serving suggestions for these carnitas?
These are excellent in tacos, burritos, or served as a protein-rich topping for fresh salads.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged for easy meal prep as it makes a large batch that stores well.
Can I use dry chipotle peppers?
Yes, the recipe allows for either canned or dry chipotle chiles.
What size pan is recommended?
A 7- to 8-quart pan is recommended to ensure there is enough room for the meat and liquid.
How do I keep the meat from drying out in the oven?
Drizzle some of the reserved strained broth over the shredded pork before and during the broiling process.
Are there any aromatic leaves used?
Yes, the recipe calls for two whole bay leaves to be added during the simmering process.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and low-fat because it utilizes lean pork and avoids deep-frying the meat in lard.
Should I cut the pork loin before cooking?
Yes, the pork loin should be cut into very large pieces before being placed in the pan.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of cumin.
Can I use the leftover broth for anything else?
The recipe suggests using the extra broth for dishes like Spiced Black Beans.
Is there a specific amount of water needed?
Add enough water to the pan to ensure the pork loin is fully submerged.
When do I add the salt?
Salt is added to taste for flavor during the cooking process.
What should I do after the pork is tender?
Strain the broth to remove the solids (onion, bay leaves, chiles) and then shred the meat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
How many bay leaves are used?
Two whole bay leaves are used to flavor the meat.
What type of cuisine is this?
This dish is a variation of Mexican cuisine.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as you have a large enough pot to submerge the meat, the recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is done when it is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
What is the benefit of using chicken broth instead of just water?
Chicken broth adds a deeper savory flavor profile to the meat during the long simmer.