Carnitas de Cerdo (Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas)

Slow-cooked pork carnitas are a Mexican favourite for tacos, valued for the way tender, richly seasoned pork meets crisp, browned edges. Pork shoulder is the right cut here: it has enough fat and connective tissue to become succulent during a gentle braise, then fry beautifully once shredded. Orange, garlic, cumin and oregano give the meat a savoury, lightly citrusy base without overwhelming it. Served in warm corn tortillas with coriander and lime, the carnitas stay simple, bright and flexible — ideal for building at the table, with the cooking juices used to keep the pork moist as it crisps.
Cuisine style Mexican taquería-style pork
Cooking style Slow-cooked • Make-ahead friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Slow-cooked

Why this recipe works

  • Tender meat, crisp edges: Slow braising softens the pork shoulder, while a final pan-fry gives the shredded meat the browned, slightly crisp edges that define good carnitas.
  • Balanced braising liquid: Orange, garlic, onion, oregano and cumin season the pork as it cooks, adding citrus brightness and savoury depth without overpowering the meat.
  • Flexible serving options: The finished pork works naturally in corn tortillas with lime and coriander, but it can also be used for rice bowls, nachos, burritos or salads.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Let the pork cool before shredding: A short rest makes the meat easier to handle and helps it shred into bite-sized pieces rather than breaking down too finely.
  • Crisp close to serving: The pork is best pan-fried shortly before eating, so the browned edges stay crisp while the meat remains juicy.

Texture tips

  • Use space in the pan: Fry the shredded pork in batches if needed; a crowded pan traps steam and prevents the edges from browning properly.
  • Add cooking liquid gradually: Splash in a little strained braising liquid while crisping if the pork starts to look dry, letting it reduce before adding more.

Make-ahead tips

  • Braise ahead: Cook and shred the pork in advance, then store it with some cooking liquid so it stays moist until ready to crisp.
  • Freezes well: Freeze cooled carnitas with a little braising liquid, then thaw fully before reheating and pan-frying until piping hot.
  • Reheat in a frying pan: Warm the pork with a splash of cooking liquid first, then let the liquid reduce so the edges can brown.

Authenticity notes

  • About the cooking method: Traditional carnitas are often cooked slowly in fat; this oven-braised version uses the pork’s own rendered fat for the final crisping step.
  • Classic taco finish: Warm corn tortillas, lime, onion and coriander keep the serving simple and let the pork remain the focus.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Cut the pork into large chunks, about 4 to 5 cm, then season all over with the salt, black pepper, cumin and oregano.
  2. Peel and halve the onion, then lightly crush the garlic cloves. Halve the orange and squeeze the juice into a large dutch oven, then add the squeezed orange halves, onion and garlic.
  3. Nestle the pork into the pot and pour in the water. Bring to a gentle simmer on the hob, cover with a lid, then transfer to the oven and cook for 2 hours, turning the pork once halfway, until very tender.
  4. Remove the pork to a tray and let it cool for 10 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid into a bowl, discarding the onion, garlic and orange halves, and skim off and reserve the fat that rises to the top.
  5. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp of the reserved fat. Fry the shredded pork in a single layer for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the edges are deeply browned; splash in a little of the cooking liquid as needed to keep it juicy while it crisps.
  6. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry pan or directly over a low flame until pliable. Chop the fresh coriander and cut the limes into wedges, then serve the carnitas in tortillas with coriander and a squeeze of lime.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, crisp the pork in batches so it browns rather than steams.
  • If you are serving vulnerable groups, ensure the pork is cooked until very tender and piping hot throughout before serving.

Substitutions

  • Replace orange with lime for a sharper, more tangy braise, using the juice and adding the squeezed halves to the pot.
  • Replace dried oregano with fresh coriander, stirring most through the hot pork at the end and saving a little for serving.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool the carnitas quickly and refrigerate in a sealed container with a little of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. Reheat in a frying pan over medium heat with a splash of the cooking liquid until piping hot, then crisp briefly.

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Carnitas de Cerdo (Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 3h 30min (30min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Mexican
Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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