Crispy Carnitas Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Crispy Pork

If you're on the hunt for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this irresistible crispy carnitas recipe. Thi……

If you're on the hunt for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this irresistible crispy carnitas recipe. This dish, rooted in Mexican cuisine, features tender, flavorful pork that is slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious, then crisped to perfection. Whether you're serving it in tacos, burritos, or simply on its own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

### Ingredients You'll Need

To create the perfect crispy carnitas recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

- 3 to 4 pounds of pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)

- 1 tablespoon of salt

- 1 teaspoon of black pepper

- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin

- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano

- 1 onion, quartered

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 orange, juiced (keep the spent halves)

- 1 lime, juiced

- 1 cup of chicken broth

- Optional: bay leaves, jalapeños for extra heat

### Cooking Instructions

1. **Prepare the Pork**: Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut it into large chunks to ensure even cooking. In a bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. Rub this mixture all over the pork pieces, making sure to coat them thoroughly.

2. **Slow Cooking**: Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. For added flavor, toss in the spent halves of the orange and a couple of bay leaves if desired. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

3. **Shred the Meat**: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.

4. **Crisping the Carnitas**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the shredded pork evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle a little of the cooking liquid over the top to keep it moist. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the pork start to crisp up and turn golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

5. **Serve and Enjoy**: Once your crispy carnitas are perfectly browned and crispy, remove them from the oven. Serve them in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings such as diced onions, fresh cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, and salsa.

### Tips for the Best Crispy Carnitas

- **Choose the Right Cut**: Pork shoulder is ideal for carnitas due to its fat content, which renders down during cooking and keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

- **Don’t Skip the Browning**: The final step of crisping the meat in the oven is crucial for achieving that delightful texture that makes carnitas so irresistible.

- **Storage**: Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just reheat in the oven for the best results.

In conclusion, this crispy carnitas recipe is not just a dish; it's an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your home. With its perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness, it’s a go-to recipe that will satisfy any craving. Whether it's Taco Tuesday or a family gathering, these carnitas are sure to steal the show. Try this recipe today, and prepare to delight your taste buds!