Are you ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more? Look no further than Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas, a Mexican delicacy that will surely win over your family and friends.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a tried and tested recipe that produces succulent morsels of meat with crispy edges, all while infusing the dish with delightful flavors of orange, lime, oregano, and cumin. Get ready to embark on a journey of culinary delight!
Carnitas, derived from the Spanish word for “little meats,” is a traditional Mexican dish originating from the state of Michoacán.
Traditionally, carnitas are made by simmering pork in oil or lard until tender, then frying it until well-browned, resulting in small pieces of flavorful, fried pork.
However, our healthier version of Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas achieves the same mouthwatering results by slow-cooking the pork in its own fat, infusing it with incredible flavors.
The Recipe:
Inspired by a renowned Cook’s Illustrated pork carnitas recipe, this version takes a healthier approach by slow-cooking the pork in its own fat instead of traditional lard.
The result? A melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that will make your taste buds sing.
The recipe calls for a combination of aromatic ingredients, including lime and orange juice, onion, oregano, cumin, and bay leaves, which impart a delightful depth of flavor to the dish.
The Cooking Process:
To prepare this delectable dish, begin by selecting a pork shoulder or pork butt, as these cuts are perfect for slow cooking.
The meat is cooked in a covered Dutch oven, allowing it to tenderize and develop rich flavors while you relax and let the oven do its magic.
As the pork becomes fork-tender, it is shredded into succulent strands of meat, ready to be transformed into crispy chunks of perfection.
The Crispy Finish:
To achieve the iconic crispy texture of traditional carnitas without using lard, the shredded pork is broiled.
The pork’s own fat lends a helping hand, resulting in irresistible, crispy pieces that will leave you craving for more.
It’s the perfect balance between succulence and crunch, a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your guests coming back for seconds, and even thirds!
Serving Suggestions:
Once the Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas are ready, it’s time to assemble a feast! Serve the tender and flavorful pork with warm corn or flour tortillas, allowing your guests to create their own mouthwatering tacos.
Enhance the experience with an array of traditional taco garnishes like thinly sliced radishes, queso fresco, and salsa fresca.
Whether you prefer to keep it simple or pile on a little of everything, these Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas will be the star of your meal.
Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas is a delightful Mexican dish that will transport your taste buds to new heights of satisfaction.
This healthier adaptation of the traditional recipe retains all the deliciousness and flavor while reducing the reliance on lard.
The combination of orange, lime, onion, oregano, cumin, and bay leaves creates a symphony of flavors that will make this dish a favorite in your household.
So gather your loved ones, prepare this culinary masterpiece, and savor the joy of Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas—it’s an entree you won’t soon forget!
Experience the essence of carnitas—tender, succulent, and crispy bites of pork that bring the flavors of Mexico to your plate.
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Source: Benjamin Fashina