180 minutes
A cozy and inviting dish that combines tender and crispy pork with the flavors of citrus and ancho chile, perfect for wrapping in a warm tortilla.
Pork Shoulder, cut into 1½-inch pieces
0 lb
Red Onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
each
each
Fresh Orange Juice
cups
cups
tablespoons
tablespoons
teaspoons
1. Marinate the Pork
In a large roasting pan, combine the pork shoulder pieces with red onion, garlic, orange juice, olive oil, lime juice, ancho chile powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until the pork is well-coated. Let the pork marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Initial Roasting
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Roast the pork for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
3. Crisp the Pork
Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Continue to roast the pork uncovered for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until the edges are crispy.
4. Rest and Shred the Pork
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Then, use forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Opt for a well-marbled pork shoulder (also called pork butt). The fat content is crucial in creating tender and juicy carnitas. Trim excess fat, but leave enough for flavor during cooking.
Cook at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), allowing plenty of time for the collagen in the meat to break down slowly, resulting in meltingly tender carnitas. Don’t rush this process; patience is key.
Marinade the pork overnight if you can. A simple mix of orange juice, lime juice, and assorted spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano will deepen the flavor profile. The acidity in citrus juices will also help tenderize the meat.
Cover the pork loosely with foil during most of the cooking to trap some steam. This prevents the meat from drying out and ensures succulence. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to allow the edges to crisp up.
Before oven-roasting, sear the chunks of pork in a hot skillet. This step caramelizes the surface, adding a rich, complex flavor once baked.
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