Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Bay Leaf

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

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork shoulder slow-cooked with bright citrus and earthy bay leaves, perfect for tacos or rice bowls. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 210 minutes pairs cut into 3-inch chunks pork shoulder, freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 190 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 lbs of pork shoulder chunks with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp ground cumin, rubbing evenly over all surfaces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the pork pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 5 smashed garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Return browned pork to the pot and pour in 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1/2 cup water. Add 3 bay leaves.
  5. Step 5: Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover the pot tightly, reduce heat to low, and cook for 3 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from the pot and shred with two forks. Optionally, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes to crisp edges before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Bay Leaf take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Bay Leaf?

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 freshly squeezed orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Bay Leaf?

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 Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Bay Leaf 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Bay Leaf?

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.

Related recipes