Zesty Slow-Roasted Pork Carnitas
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of our Zesty Slow-Roasted Pork Carnitas, a dish inspired by the delectable offerings of Whole Foods' hot dinner bar. This recipe features tender, marinated pork loin that's slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the robust combinations of garlic, jalapeño, and citrus to infuse each piece with unparalleled taste. Traditionally served on warm corn tortillas accompanied by fresh pico de gallo, this versatile dish can also be enjoyed alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a satisfying twist. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this carnitas recipe promises to delight and impress.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork loin
3 lbs (cut into 1-inch pieces (or buy pre-cut pork stew meat))
garlic cloves
3 large (minced)
jalapeño
1-2 (minced (optional))
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
sea salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
chicken stock
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork pieces with minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, sea salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pork is well-coated with the spices.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned pork and sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the meat is browned on all sides.
4
Transfer the browned pork to a large roasting pan. In the same skillet, pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, and chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour this mixture over the pork in the roasting pan.
5
Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and ensure the pork cooks evenly.
6
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. If you notice that the juices have cooked down too much, add a splash more chicken stock to keep it moist.
7
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the pork to cool slightly in the pan, allowing it to absorb any remaining juices. Then, shred the pork using two forks, mixing in the tasty drippings for added flavor.
8
Serve the shredded carnitas in corn tortillas topped with your choice of pico de gallo, avocado, or any preferred toppings.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
3g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of meat is used for these Zesty Slow-Roasted Pork Carnitas?
This recipe uses 3 lbs of boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch pieces.
Can I use pre-cut meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can buy pre-cut pork stew meat instead of cutting a whole pork loin yourself.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the pork need to roast?
The pork should be roasted for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until it is fork-tender.
Do I need to sear the pork before roasting?
Yes, you should sauté the seasoned pork in a skillet for about 10 minutes until it is browned on all sides before transferring it to the roasting pan.
What spices are used in the pork seasoning?
The seasoning consists of minced garlic, cumin, sea salt, pepper, and optional minced jalapeño.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1-2 minced jalapeños for a zesty flavor, but these are optional if you prefer a milder dish.
What liquids are used for the roasting process?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 cup of chicken stock.
How should I prepare the roasting pan?
After adding the pork and liquids, cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and ensure even cooking.
What should I do if the cooking juices evaporate too quickly?
If you notice the juices have cooked down too much during the roasting process, add a splash more chicken stock to keep the pork moist.
How do I shred the carnitas once they are cooked?
Allow the pork to cool slightly in the pan, then use two forks to shred the meat, mixing it with the remaining drippings.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving of this pork carnitas recipe contains 450 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 30 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these carnitas?
This dish is low in carbs, containing only 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the pork?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.
What are the traditional serving suggestions for this dish?
It is traditionally served on warm corn tortillas with fresh pico de gallo and avocado.
Are there any alternative side dishes suggested?
Yes, for a satisfying twist, you can serve the carnitas alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the popular offerings found at the Whole Foods hot dinner bar.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 large minced garlic cloves.
Is fresh citrus juice necessary?
The recipe specifies freshly squeezed orange and lime juice for the best flavor profile.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While this is an oven-based roasting recipe, the slow-cooking method used in the oven can be adapted for a crockpot if desired.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
Is the pork loin supposed to be bone-in or boneless?
The recipe requires boneless pork loin for easier cutting and shredding.
What is the purpose of scraping the skillet with juice and stock?
Scraping the skillet (deglazing) helps incorporate the browned bits from the meat back into the sauce for maximum flavor.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
Based on the provided data, the fiber and sugar content are not specified.
Should the pork be cooled completely before shredding?
No, it should cool only slightly so it can absorb the remaining juices while still being warm enough to shred easily.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the texture of the meat after cooking?
The meat becomes tender and 'fork-tender' after the slow-roasting process.