Traditional Slow-Simmered Mexican Pork Carnitas

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

Tender, flavorful pork carnitas simmered slowly with warm spices and citrus, perfect for tacos or burritos. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 165 minutes pairs freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the pork and toast the spices for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1 cup water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
  4. Step 4: Cook the pork gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until it is very tender and easily shredded, checking occasionally to ensure liquid doesn’t evaporate completely.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from the pot and shred using two forks. Optional: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes to crisp edges before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Slow-Simmered Mexican Pork Carnitas take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 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 Traditional Slow-Simmered Mexican Pork Carnitas?

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 Traditional Slow-Simmered Mexican Pork Carnitas?

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 Traditional Slow-Simmered Mexican Pork Carnitas 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 Traditional Slow-Simmered Mexican Pork Carnitas?

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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