December 28, 2011

PORK CARNITAS

I love Mexican food, but had never made carnitas before.  I'll definitely make this again.  The pork is a nice change from the chicken and beef Mexican recipes that I make most of the time.

Ingredients:
  • 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Corn or flour tortillas, I prefer whole wheat flour
Directions:

Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot. Add all ingredients except tortillas and enough water to just barely cover the meat. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour to 1-1/2 hours without stirring until meat is tender.

Increase the heat to medium-high and stir occasionally, continue to cook for about 20 - 30 minutes, or until all of the liquid has evaporated, leaving only the rendered pork fat. Let it sizzle in this fat long enough to brown at the edges, gently turning pieces only as needed.

When pork has browned, it’s ready to serve. Add additional seasonings at this point to taste and serve on warmed tortillas with your choice of sides.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe from Culinary Collage.

8 comments:

Tracy's Living Cookbook said...

We love carnitas around our casa! It's always great to have a new recipe - thanks for posting this one. I have some good Mexican recipes on my blog if you are interested!
Hope your holidays are peaceful!
~your Michigan blogging friend, Tracy

Culinary Collage said...

Tracy.....thanks for the nice post! I hope that you have a joyous and peaceful holiday too. I'll take a look at some of your Mexican recipes...I love Mexican food. Your blog has lots of really great looking recipes on it. Thanks again from your Michigan blogging buddy.

Unknown said...

YUM!!! I am bookmarking this delicious sounding recipe right now! It looks like a keeper!

Culinary Collage said...

Thanks for the nice comment....it is a keeper!

Scott at Real Epicurean said...

I love Mexican food too. Thanks for teaching me a new dish!

Culinary Collage said...

Thank you Scott...I just checked out your site....it's lovely!

Bo said...

I love mexican food and carnitas tacos are so delicious...Wishing you and your family a happy new year!

Bo said...

I love mexican food and carnitas tacos are so delicious...Wishing you and your family a happy new year!

Related Posts with Thumbnails