Crispy Sheet Pan Carnitas with Lime and Cilantro
Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked then crisped on a sheet pan with aromatic Mexican spices, finished with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for bright, authentic flavor. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 225 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a large bowl, toss 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread the pork pieces in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan. Pour 1/2 cup orange juice over the pork. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 3 hours until pork is very tender.
- Step 3: Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Remove foil and roast for an additional 20-25 minutes, turning once, until edges are crisp and caramelized.
- Step 4: Remove pork from oven and immediately toss with 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm with tortillas or rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Sheet Pan Carnitas with Lime and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 225 minutes (20 min prep + 205 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 Crispy Sheet Pan Carnitas with Lime and Cilantro?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Sheet Pan Carnitas with Lime and Cilantro?
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 Crispy Sheet Pan Carnitas with Lime and Cilantro 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 Crispy Sheet Pan Carnitas with Lime and Cilantro?
Mexican pork 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.
