Authentic Carnitas Recipe

Name: Authentic Carnitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Meat & Poultry
Ingredients: 3 lbs pork shoulder; 4 garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon oregano; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon cumin (ground); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 bay leaf; 1 small white onion (quartered); 1 quart chicken stock

Servings: persons

3 lbs pork shoulder
4 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon oregano
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon cumin (ground)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 ½ teaspoons salt
1 bay leaf
1 small white onion (quartered)
1 quart chicken stock

1
Place all ingredients in a large pot.
2
Fill the pot with water just until the roast is covered in liquid.
3
Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 hours covered.
4
Take the roast out of the stock once it is fork tender.
5
Remove the bone and break the meat into 1 inch chunks keeping the fat attached to the pieces.
6
Lay the pieces flat on a baking sheet and bake on 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the pieces are golden brown.
7
You can shred or cut the meat and serve as a filling for tacos, enchiladas, on a salad or in flautas.
8
Or, keep the meat in chunks and smother with green chile.
9
Enjoy!

No nutrition data on file — estimate from the ingredient list.

No additional tips available.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 lbs pork shoulder, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon oregano, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, and more.

Yes, Authentic Carnitas falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Authentic Carnitas

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