Braised Pork Carnitas with Orange and Cumin

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-braised pork shoulder infused with bright orange and warm cumin spices, shredded for tender, flavorful carnitas perfect for tacos or bowls. This mexican ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch chunks, orange juice, freshly squeezed, onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 3 pounds of 3-inch pork shoulder chunks and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes total.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 diced medium onion and 4 smashed garlic cloves, cooking for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return pork to the pot. Add 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 cup water, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 2 bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork pieces and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the pot and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to reduce the sauce and concentrate flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Pork Carnitas with Orange and Cumin take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Pork Carnitas with Orange and Cumin?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep onion, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Pork Carnitas with Orange and Cumin?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Pork Carnitas with Orange and Cumin for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Pork Carnitas with Orange and Cumin?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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