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Guys, we have serious, serious things to chat about today.
Number one is obviously these carnitas. These extra special, super delicious slow roasted pork carnitas.
And two? Well two is about what’s been on my mind recently. Let’s start with two, and then we’ll move on to the carnitas. Promise, I will try not to write a novel…
So lately I’ve been I wanting to do more with the blog. I need a little more of a challenge, something new, something different, and I feel like the blog needs a little update. I’d like you to let me know what you’d like to see more of on HBH. Is it super easy recipes? More quick how-to videos? Longer videos… where I talk and talk and talk? Do you like hearing all about my life and what’s happening behind the scenes? Or would you prefer for me to simply stick to content? How about some lifestyle posts? Would you be into fashion inspired posts? If so, what areas? I really want to know what you’d love to see me share? I want to go there, to add something new and fun and fresh and different! So please… give me your thoughts, ideas, comments… I want to hear them all!
PS. the fashion thing?? Anyone? You know my whole life I thought I was going to work in the fashion industry, but then my move to LA happened and I kind of freaked, and then this blog happened. Now I only buy dishes and surfaces, and only wear Lululemon tights and sweatshirts smeared with chocolate all day long…I wouldn’t mind bringing a little fashion back into my world. Would you guys be into it? My favorite trends? My wish list? Maybe some go-to working girl outfits? Maybe only as a monthly thing, or maybe more? Thoughts?!?!
PSS. What about entertaining posts!?! I’m really into these. Like dinner parties, summer get-togethers, cocktails… Would you be interested in seeing more of these types of posts?
OKok, and now let’s chat carnitas!!!
The pork gets slow cooked for two to three hours and when it’s finished, it literally just falls apart. The shredded meat makes for the most epic round of tacos, complete with all the toppings. The meat just melts in your mouth and the flavor is insane.
Like nothing better.
Also, while this meat is great for tacos, it’s also great for burrito bowls, nachos, pizza, quesadillas, sandwiches, ext…the options here are endless. With this carnita recipe, you really can do no wrong! 🙂
The one must? A side of guacamole and chips.
My Favorite Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas.
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories Per Serving: 516 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder cut into 3 inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 cup Mexican beer or low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 leaves bay
- juice from 2 limes
- cilantro for serving
Instructions
Classic Slow Roasted On the Stove
- Toss the cubed pork with the garlic powder and chipotle chili powder. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the pork on all sides. If needed, sear the pork in batches if your dutch oven is not large enough. Reduce the heat low and pour in the beer, orange juice and 1/2 cup water (there should be just enough liquid to cover the sides of the meat). Add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours on LOW. After 1 1/2 hours the pork should be falling apart. Remove the lid and continue cooking another 30 minutes. The Coca-Cola will caramelize and the liquid will evaporate almost completely.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred. Drizzle the carnitas with lime juice. Serve with warm tortillas, avocado and cheese. EAT!
Crockpot
- Toss the cubed pork with the garlic powder and chipotle chili powder. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the pork on all sides. If needed, sear the pork in batches if your dutch oven is not large enough. Transfer the pork to the bowl of your crockpot. Add the beer, orange juice, 1/2 cup water and the bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. During the last hour, remove the lid and allow the liquid to evaporate almost completely.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred. Serve with warm tortillas, avocado and cheese. EAT!
I mean, obviously. ???
Hi Tieghan,
I have pork chops that I need to use for meal planning this week. They are 0.5-1 inch thick. Will they work for this recipe? I imagine the simmering time would be cut down?
Hi Caroline,
Yes you could use pork chops but don’t cook longer than an hour because the chops will be dry. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made this late in the afternoon and it was delicious! I served it on flour tortillas with thinly sliced raw cabbage, Jack’s salsa and avocado. I also used a cup of regular Coca Cola instead of beer. Thanks for a great recipe. It can easily be doubled to serve a crowd.
I am so glad this turned out so well for you Melissa! xTieghan
Great recipe! Love it. How would you make this in an Instant Pot? Thanks so much
Hi Tieghan,
I have used this recipe many times always with coca cola. You have changed something in the ingredients list right? I can see you are replying orhers that there is no coke in this recipe? But that must be a mistake because there used to be? Also, in the text you directly write:
“If you don’t drink Coca-Cola, and would prefer not want to buy any, you can also sub beer or just chicken broth. But I have to say, you should really give that can of Coke a try” – From this I understand it as if it is the coke that be substituted with beer or chicken broth?
I SO confused:-(
Hey Camilla! Yes, I changed the recipe to not include the cola as I don’t drink cola, so it was inconvenient for me to use. Does that make sense? You can certainly use cola if you prefer! Either is great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
What does the can of coke replace?
Hi Holly! There is no coke in this recipe. So sorry for any confusion. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
HI Tiegen, I was planning on making these tonight but I don’t see where the Coca-Cola goes in. It’s not listed in the list of ingredients
Hey Judy! There is no coca-cola in this recipe. So sorry for any confusion. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
this was a hit with my very mexican food snob son…i made jalepeno cilantro crema to add to the taco and OMG!! they were amazing!! the only part of the recipe that there was no measurement for was for the coke…wasnt in the list of ingredients so i assumed it was in place of the mexican beer and used that measurement?
Hi Lisa! No coke in this recipe, just beer. So sorry about the typo! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Hi, Tieghan! Can’t wait to make this! It looks so good! Your recipe says total cook time 3 hrs 10 min, but your instructions only show it cooking for 1 1/2 hrs and then another 30 min? Thanks!
HI! So sorry about that. This is a typo. All fixed. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Oh my I can’t wait to try these! LOVE your blog tieghan. It NEVER disappoints. I love how you cook with seasonal produce. More farm to table recipes would be awesome. Fashion..ain’t my thang, but if you love it, go for it. It’s so awesome to see all these happy readers! You have touched so many lives with your cooking. Food is love. Thanks so much for sharing!!
I am so glad you are enjoying these + I hope you love them if you get a chance to try! Thank you so so much Jenna!
Hi T ! 🙂
Could you make this recipe in a caserole or a saucepan with a lid? I do not own a dutch oven or crockpot 🙁
Hey Camila! Yes, that would work great. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you! 🙂
Made this tonight for the 2nd time in a week….delicious! And super easy. And Beth for the win! ?
WOO! That is so awesome! I am so happy these were great for you, twice!! Thanks Beth! ?
Hello Tieghan……this is the first time I read ur recipe and have awestruck on the slow roasted pork…. Unfortunately I can’t try coz my family is vegan…..so I have 2 requests pls…..
1) if you are bringing a pork meat from shop(not frozen) but from a butcher shop how to identify if it’s healthy
2) Please can you post some vegan dishes which I can try it home
Hi!! So I am not sure what exactly you are asking about the pork, but I like to find a cut with some nice fat around the pork. Generally pork is a pretty simple and easy cut of meat to buy!! ☺️ and yes, I can definitely my post more vegan recipes, I love them! Thanks again!!
Hello,
I was wondering what type of crock pot/slow cooker do you use/recommend ?
P.S. You have made me a favorite in the family for your four cheese mac and cheese recipe that I make every year for thanksgiving. I got in trouble one year when I didn’t make a double batch of it. haha Love your blog.
HI! I use a 6.5 quart All-Clad crockpot and love it!
That is AWESOME! Thank you so much! Have a great weekend! 🙂
I have a friend of mine (Hi Vicki!) who has been cooking her version of carnitas for close to 20 years. Everyone has loved them and she has fed many over the years. We have been following your blog ever since the whiskey blue cheese burgers(AWESOME!) She tried these the other day and they have now replace her recipe. I brought a taste home for my wife and now I have been ordered to produce a batch for her. They are perfection. Thank you.
Please don’t do fashion in this blog. Yes on equipment reviews and your preferences.
That is so amazing to hear!! I’m so happy you all liked the recipe that much:)
Thank you for for the feedback! It’s so good to hear what you are interested in coming to the blog!
Thanks Sterling!
Hi! What’s the juice from two limes for? Thanks!
Hi Marilynn! So sorry about that, the juice from the limes should be stirred into the carnitas just before serving. Fixing the recipe now. Let me know if you have any other questions, thank you!
I fixed the recipe to reflect the changes, sorry! Just use the lime juice to drizzle over the pork once it is cooked.