Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Spiced Orange Sauce
Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder simmered in a tangy and spiced orange sauce, perfect for tacos or burritos. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 195 minutes blends pounds pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 2 pounds pork shoulder into 3-inch chunks. In a bowl, combine 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to make the marinade.
- Step 2: Place the pork chunks in a large bowl or ziplock bag, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the marinated pork pieces along with the marinade, 1/2 cup water, and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Step 5: Remove the bay leaf, shred the pork with two forks, and cook uncovered over medium heat for 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid and crisp the edges slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Spiced Orange Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Spiced Orange Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Spiced Orange Sauce?
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 Spiced Orange Sauce 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 Spiced Orange Sauce?
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.
