Carnitas (Crispy, Tender Mexican Pork)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Ingredients
- 3 lb boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 1½" pieces
- 1 lb pork belly, cut into 1" pieces
- 1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt (heaping)
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- Warm corn tortillas, for serving
- Sliced avocado, for serving
- Shredded cabbage, for serving
- Chopped white onion, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for serving
- Dried oregano, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Steps
- Combine pork shoulder, pork belly, chicken stock, salt, and pepper in a large heavy pot. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-low heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer until pork is tender and shreds easily, about 2 hours.
- Uncover and continue cooking until liquid has reduced slightly but not completely, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Transfer half of the pork and pan juices to a large skillet, preferably nonstick. Cook over high heat until liquid evaporates and pork begins to fry in its rendered fat.
- Fry, stirring occasionally and breaking up pork with a spoon, until browned and beginning to crisp, 10-15 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer pork to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep warm and moist.
- Repeat frying process with remaining pork and pan juices.
- Serve carnitas with warm tortillas, avocado, cabbage, onion, cilantro, oregano, and lime wedges for building tacos.
Notes
Pork can be braised (not fried) up to 3 days ahead; cover and chill until ready to fry.
Source: www.epicurious.com