This easy baked pork carnitas recipe is a game changer! You only need a few simple ingredients like pork, garlic, and spices. It’s perfect for tacos or burrito bowls.
What’s great is how tender the pork turns out after baking. I can’t help but sneak bites straight from the tray. Just add your favorite toppings, and dinner is ready!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for carnitas because it’s fatty and becomes tender during cooking. If you can’t find pork shoulder, you can use pork belly or even boneless chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Spices: The blend of salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin really builds flavor. If you’d like a different taste, try using taco seasoning or add some crushed red pepper for heat. Or, skip the dried herbs and use fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice adds a nice sweetness and depth. No oranges? Lime juice works, too! You could also use apple juice or a splash of vinegar to brighten the dish.
Chicken Broth: This keeps the pork moist while cooking. If you prefer, use vegetable broth or even water. Just keep in mind that broth adds more flavor!
How Do You Get Crispy Carnitas in the Oven?
To achieve that crispy texture, the key is in the final baking step. After slow cooking, you’ll want to increase the oven temperature to get a nice caramelized finish. Here’s how to do it:
- Shred the pork after it’s tender, but don’t mix it too much with the juices; you want some on the surface for browning.
- Spread the shredded pork out in a single layer on a baking sheet or leave in the pot. This helps each piece get crispy.
- Watch closely as it cooks for 15 to 20 minutes. If you want extra crunch, broil for a few minutes, just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Getting that crispiness is a game changer and takes the carnitas to a whole new level! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Baked Pork Carnitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 orange, juiced (reserve the spent halves)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika for extra smokiness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and approximately 3 hours of cook time. You’ll be spending around 2.5 to 3 hours in the oven, plus an additional 20 minutes for the final crispy finish. So, plan for a total of about 3.5 hours for making these delicious carnitas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Getting that oven nice and warm is the first step to perfect carnitas!
2. Season the Pork:
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, and optional chili powder or smoked paprika, if you like a bit of heat. Rub this flavorful spice mixture all over the pork chunks, making sure each piece is well coated.
3. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Next, place your seasoned pork in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan. Toss in the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Squeeze the juice from the orange all over the pork and then toss in the spent halves as well. Pour the chicken broth or water into the pan to keep everything moist while it cooks.
4. Cover and Bake:
Cover your pot tightly with a lid or foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. This low and slow cooking makes it super tender!
5. Increase the Heat:
Once it’s done cooking, remove the pot from the oven and crank up the temperature to 450°F (232°C).
6. Shred the Pork:
Using two forks, shred the pork right in the pan, mixing it with the delicious cooking juices. Spread the shredded pork out evenly in the pan, or move it to a rimmed baking sheet for a nice crispy finish.
7. Crisp It Up:
Return the pork to the oven without cover and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the edges of the pork are crispy and caramelized. If you want even more crunch, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, just be careful not to burn it!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once crispy, take the carnitas out of the oven and discard the bay leaves and orange halves. Serve them warm with tortillas, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or any of your favorite toppings!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful, and crispy baked pork carnitas!
FAQ for Easy Baked Pork Carnitas
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its tenderness and fat content, you can also use pork belly or even boneless chicken thighs for a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
How Do I Store Leftover Carnitas?
Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating!
Can I Make the Carnitas in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! If you prefer the slow cooker method, simply follow the preparation steps and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender. Finish with the high-heat step in the oven for crispiness at the end!
What Toppings Go Well With Pork Carnitas?
Pork carnitas are incredibly versatile! Traditional toppings include diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, avocado or guacamole, salsa, and pickled jalapeños. Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings!
