Braised Pork Carnitas

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Deliciously tender and juicy braised pulled pork carnitas can be used in fried or street tacos. Perfect for burritos and chimichangas or taco bowls.

Submitted by Christopher Martinez
Published on March 5, 2018
Recipe Placeholder Image
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
5 hrs 10 mins
Total Time:
5 hrs 40 mins
Servings:
24
Yield:
24 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings

  • 5 pounds pork shoulder roast

  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ small yellow onion, chopped

  • 6 cups pork stock

  • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • 12 green onions, chopped

  • 24 fresh yellow corn tortillas

  • 4 cups thinly shaved green cabbage

  • 10 ounces crumbled queso fresco

  • 2 cups fresh salsa

  • 2 limes, cut into wedges

Directions

  1. Heat a large, cast iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season pork shoulder with garlic, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Place pork shoulder fat-side down into the hot pot and sear until deep golden brown on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Add yellow onion to cook with rendered drippings for 1 minute. Slowly pour in pork stock to cover pork shoulder.

  2. Bring to a light boil; cover and braise until fork-tender, 4 1/2 to 5 hours.

  3. Transfer to a bowl and shred into carnitas, adding 1 1/2 cups of pork stock for moisture and more salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add green onions and cook until slightly browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

  5. Heat corn tortillas in the hot skillet on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes total for each tortilla. Place braised pork into tortillas and garnish with cabbage, queso fresco, salsa, green onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Cook's Note:

You can use flour tortillas instead of corn.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

211 Calories
11g Fat
16g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Calories 211
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 820mg 36%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 13g 27%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 86mg 7%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 361mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.