Best Homemade Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe for Authentic Mexican Flavor

Guide or Summary：Ingredients for Pulled Pork Carnitas RecipePreparation Steps for Pulled Pork Carnitas RecipeServing Suggestions for Pulled Pork Carnitas Re……

Guide or Summary：

1. Ingredients for Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe
2. Preparation Steps for Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe
3. Serving Suggestions for Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe
4. Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe

If you're on the hunt for the pulled pork carnitas recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico, you've come to the right place. This recipe is not just any ordinary carnitas recipe; it's a meticulously crafted guide that ensures you achieve that perfect blend of juiciness and crispiness in your pork. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create the best homemade pulled pork carnitas that are bursting with authentic Mexican flavor.

Ingredients for Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe

To start, gather the following ingredients for your pulled pork carnitas recipe:

- 4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), cut into large chunks

- 1 tablespoon salt

- 1 tablespoon black pepper

- 1 tablespoon ground cumin

- 1 tablespoon dried oregano

- 1 tablespoon chili powder

- 1 tablespoon ground coriander

- 1 onion, quartered

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 oranges, juiced

- 2 limes, juiced

- 1/2 cup Coca-Cola (optional but highly recommended for caramelization)

- 2 bay leaves

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Preparation Steps for Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe

1. **Season the Pork:** Begin by seasoning the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and ground coriander. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the spices to ensure maximum flavor.

2. **Slow Cooking:** Place the seasoned pork in a large pot or slow cooker. Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, Coca-Cola, and bay leaves. If you're using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 8 hours. If using a pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

3. **Shredding the Pork:** Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat and the bay leaves. Reserve the cooking liquid for later use.

4. **Crisping the Pork:** In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork in batches, pressing it down into the skillet to create a crispy layer. Pour a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid over the pork to keep it moist and flavorful. Cook until the edges are crispy and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions for Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe

Your delicious pulled pork carnitas recipe is now ready to be served! Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

- **Tacos:** Serve the carnitas in warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add some salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.

- **Burritos:** Wrap the carnitas in a large flour tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

- **Tostadas:** Spread a layer of refried beans on a crispy tostada shell, top with carnitas, lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.

- **Salads:** For a lighter option, serve the carnitas over a bed of mixed greens with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lime vinaigrette.

Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe

To ensure your pulled pork carnitas recipe turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

- **Choose the Right Cut of Pork:** Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal for carnitas because of its fat content, which keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

- **Slow and Low Cooking:** Slow cooking allows the pork to become tender and absorb all the flavors from the spices and citrus juices.

- **Crisping in Batches:** Crisping the pork in batches ensures that each piece gets evenly browned and crispy without overcrowding the skillet.

- **Use the Reserved Cooking Liquid:** Adding a bit of the reserved cooking liquid while crisping the pork helps to keep it moist and enhances the overall flavor.

With this detailed guide, you're well on your way to mastering the art of making the best homemade pulled pork carnitas recipe. Enjoy the rich, authentic flavors of Mexico right from your kitchen!