Carnitas

Carnitas

Carnitas

I was asked a few weeks ago if I had a carnitas recipe. I go to my site and realize that I don’t; which is absolutely crazy because I make carnitas all the time. So now, at this very moment, is my carnitas recipe. It really isn’t mine. It is the traditional Mexican recipe, which is just pork, lard, water, and salt(garlic is optional). All you have to do is add all of the ingredients to a pot and braise for 45 minutes. Then you reduce all of the liquid out until the pork starts to fry in its own fat. Once the pork is slightly browned, it’s ready to eat. Carnitas are great in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tamales, tortas, omelettes, nachos, and just about anything else that you can think of.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Latin American, main course, Mexican, Pork
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • cast iron pot

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs pork shoulder cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup lard
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • water

Instructions

  • Add the pork, lard, garlic, and salt to a cast iron pot. Pour in enough water to cover the pork. Bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 45 minutes.
    Mexican, main course, pork
  • Uncover. Turn the heat up to high and reduce until all of the water has evaporated. There will only be pork and fat left.
    Mexican, main course, pork
  • Turn the heat to medium and fry the pork in its own fat until browned; about 10-15 minutes.
    Mexican, main course, pork
Mexican, main course, pork
Use carnitas in tacos.
Carnitas are a great accompaniment to piquin chilies enchiladas.