Pan-Seared Carnitas with Orange and Cinnamon Glaze

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

Juicy pan-seared pork carnitas finished with a sweet and aromatic orange-cinnamon glaze that enhances the rich pork flavor. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder with 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano; toss to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned pork cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and crispy edges develop.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork and set aside. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced medium yellow onion; sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return pork to skillet, add 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 1 whole cinnamon stick. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until glaze thickens slightly and coats the pork.
  5. Step 5: Remove cinnamon stick and warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds each side.
  6. Step 6: Serve carnitas topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro in warm tortillas for a bright and savory dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Carnitas with Orange and Cinnamon Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Pan-Seared Carnitas with Orange and Cinnamon Glaze?

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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Carnitas with Orange and Cinnamon Glaze?

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 Pan-Seared Carnitas with Orange and Cinnamon Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Carnitas with Orange and Cinnamon Glaze?

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.

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