The Ultimate Guide to Making the Best Traditional Carnitas Recipe at Home

Traditional Carnitas is a classic Mexican dish known for its juicy, flavorful, and tender pork that is perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, or simply served with rice and beans. While this dish may seem intimidating to make at home, with the right recipe and technique, you can achieve authentic and delicious carnitas right in your own kitchen.

To start, you will need a few key ingredients for traditional carnitas: pork shoulder or butt, lard or oil, orange juice, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and salt. The secret to tender and flavorful carnitas lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the pork to become fall-apart tender and develop a crispy, caramelized crust.

The first step in making traditional carnitas is to cut the pork into chunks and season it generously with salt, cumin, oregano, and minced garlic. Let the meat marinate for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Next, heat a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add lard or oil. Once the fat is hot, add the seasoned pork chunks in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides until it develops a deep golden crust, then add orange juice, bay leaves, and enough water to cover the meat halfway.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pork simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook uncovered until the liquid has evaporated, and the pork begins to sizzle and crisp up.

Finally, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces using two forks, and continue cooking until the meat is crispy and caramelized to your liking. Serve the traditional carnitas with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro for a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that will transport you to the streets of Mexico.

In conclusion, making traditional carnitas at home may require some time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. By following a few simple steps and using quality ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals the best taquerias in town. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your own homemade traditional carnitas!

• Simplify Sales. Maximize Profits. Run Your Business Smarter with Truffle POS.