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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. ???
the directions say the coca cola will carmelize but i dont see cola in the recipe ingredients at all. do I add cola? how much?
Hey Christine,
Sorry about that, you can ignore the Coca Cola! xTieghan
Hi! I am a little confused. The recipe refers to Coca-Cola carmelizing in the last sentence of the cooking section, but it’s not listed in the ingredients. I used beer as directed, anything special I need to do to find this caramelization?
Hey Mary Lee,
Sorry for the confusion, you can ignore the Coca Cola! I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan
when using a crockpot do you cook on low for 6-8 hours?
Hey Janay,
Yes you can follow the crockpot instructions listed above:) I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan
The last of the instructions talks about coca cola? How much or were you just thirsty? Lol
Hey Karen,
LOL so sorry, ignore the Coca Cola:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
How come towards the end of the description it says “the Coca Cola” will caramelized? Is there Coca Cola in it? It’s not listed. Any tips for crockpot method and then still getting that black crusty look and texture?
Hey Heather,
So sorry for the confusion, you can ignore the Coca Cola, there is not any in this recipe. I hope you love it! xTieghan
I see that the recipe mentions Coca-Cola. Is this an ingredient?
Hey Mollie,
So sorry about that, you can ignore the coca-cola, there is none in the recipe! I hope you love this, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hello, can I use pork butt instead of shoulder? Thank you
Hey Janet,
Yes, that will work well. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Hi there!
Am I able to use chicken instead of pork for this recipe? Thank you! Absolutely love your recipes.
Hey Nicole,
Chicken would work well here. I hope you love the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy New Year! xTieghan
In the instructions you say “The Coca-Cola will caramelize,” however Coca-Cola is not in the ingredient list! Seems like I’m missing a piece of the puzzle?
Hey Renee,
Sorry for the confusion, there is no coca-cola you can ignore that. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi! Just made these tonight. Delicious! Do you have freezing instructions for leftovers?
Thanks!
Neha
Hey Neha,
Thank you so much for trying this recipe, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed!! I would just freeze in an airtight container. xTieghan
The last line of the recipe states that the “cocoa-cola will caramelize”. Don’t see coke in the recipe. What am I missing?
Thanks.
Hey there,
Sorry for the confusion, ignore the Coca Cola! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hello! I am making the Carnitas recipe and see that Coca-Cola is mentioned in the directions but not in the ingredients. Was the coke in replacement of the beer or in addition to the beer?
Thank you!
Amanda
Hi Amanda! I am sorry for the confusion. There is no Coca-Cola in this recipe. I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan
Hey Amanda,
So sorry for the confusion, you can ignore the coke part. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Good morning Tieghan,
I am sure someone already mentioned this, but after scrolling the comments for quite a while I gave up looking and decided to post my question.
In the instructions it says the Coca-Cola will caramelize while cooking, yet the recipe it’s self has no mention of Coca-Cola. Help me out here and clear up the mystery. The final product sounds amazing!! Can’t wait to try it. Your recipes and pictures are an inspiration.
Shelly
Hi Shelly! There is no Coca Cola in this recipe! I am really sorry about the confusion! xTieghan
Hello,
I came across this “my favorite slow roasted carnitas” recipe which looks amazing and I plan on making. I have one question. In the instructions for the Classic Slow Roasted Version on the Stove, it mentions, “The Coca-Cola will caramelize and the liquid will evaporate almost completely.” I don’t see that Coca-Cola is listed in the ingredients, so I’m a little confused. Can you help? Thanks so much!
Hi Martha! I apologize for the confusion! There is no Coca Cola in this recipe! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
The recipe mentions Coca Cola but it’s not listed as an ingredient. Can you please specify how much and when to add? Thanks!
Hi Allison! I am sorry for the confusion, but there is no coca cola in this recipe! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Tieghan! What did I miss on the ingredient list? You mention Coca-Cola. Did you use that instead of Mexican Beer? I seriously love everything you do, so keep it all coming. All the cocktail recipes too!!
Shannon
Hey Shannon,
So sorry for the confusion, there is no coca-cola in this recipe, you can ignore that! xTieghan