15 Making Carnitas With Pork Shoulder

What should I make for dinner tonight? This might just be the number one question that we ask ourselves almost daily over here.

Then you have come to the right place, we have rounded up 15 making carnitas with pork shoulder that we have shared over the years.

Plus, there is such a variety of flavours in these recipes, so you are sure to find something for you. Most of these recipes are quick and easy ones made especially for busy weeknights.

15 Making Carnitas With Pork Shoulder

Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

6 hr 15 min

Lb pork shoulder, orange, jalapeno, olive oil, garlic

5.0858

RecipeTin Eats

Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

10 hr 10 min

Boneless pork butt, orange juice, mexican coke, garlic, bay leaves

5.0113

Cafe Delites

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

6 hr 10 min

Boneless pork roast, adobo sauce, garlic, chili powder, chicken stock

4.984

Gimme Some Oven

Easy Carnitas Recipe

4 hr 5 min

Instant pot, pork shoulder, lime juice, chili powder, sea salt

4.4456

Isabel Eats

Pork Carnitas

4 hr

Pound pork shoulder, spent, red pepper flakes, garlic, black pepper

4.5159

Jo Cooks

Best Carnitas (Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

8 hr 10 min

Boneless pork shoulder, orange, jalapeno, chili powder, black pepper

5.053

Downshiftology

Mexican Pork Carnitas (slow cooker Mexican pork)

8 hr 10 min

Pork shoulder, sugar free, avocado oil, oranges, garlic powder

4.818

The Endless Meal

Easy Carnitas Recipe

3 hr 45 min

Pork shoulder roast, dutch oven, chicken broth, lime juice, garlic

5.038

Baking Mischief

Pork Carnitas

Boneless pork shoulder, sour cream, avocado, orange, queso fresco

No reviews

The Mom 100

Pork Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Pulled Pork)

3 hr 5 min

Boneless pork butt, corn tortillas, orange, hot sauce, garlic powder

5.017

Chew Out Loud

Authentic Pork Carnitas – Mexican Slow Cooked Pulled Pork

3 hr

Boneless pork butt, orange, lime juice, bay leaves

5.043

My Kitchen Escapades

Crispy Pork Carnitas

3 hr 20 min

Pork shoulder, orange juice, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, avocado oil

5.066

All the Healthy Things

Slow Cooker Beer Braised Pork Carnitas

4 hr 10 min

Pork shoulder, orange juice, queso fresco, chicken broth, flour tortillas

5.013

Midwest Foodie

Pork Carnitas (Mexican Crispy Pulled Pork)

2 hr 30 min

Lb pork shoulder, bacon fat, oranges, cinnamon stick

4.52

Curious Cuisiniere

Carnitas

5 hr 10 min

Pork shoulder, oranges, garlic, chili powder, black pepper

5.025

Tastes Better From Scratch

12 Related Question Answers About Making Carnitas With Pork Shoulder

Is pork shoulder good for carnitas?

What are carnitas? Carnitas are the Mexican version of pulled pork. It’s traditionally made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) because of the higher fat content, which helps the meat stay super tender and juicy while it’s cooked.

What temp should pork shoulder be for carnitas?

The USDA’s recommended minimum temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C), but the connective tissue needs to be heated to at least 160-170°F (71-77°C) to dissolve properly, and most smoked pork shoulders are pulled in the temperature range of 195-205°F (91-96°C).

What is the difference between pulled pork and carnitas?

Pulled pork is meat from a pig (typically from the shoulder region) that has been slow-cooked until it’s easy enough to shred, whereas carnitas (meaning “little meats”) is a version of pulled pork that’s often fixed with Mexican spices (or simply salt).

What cuts can you use for carnitas?

Pork shoulder roast: The best cut of meat for carnitas is pork shoulder AKA pork butt AKA Boston butt because it is well-marbled with fat and cooks up incredibly tender with a long braise.

Should you sear pork shoulder before slow cooking?

Then, although it’s an extra step, I brown the shoulder roast before adding it to the slow cooker for those crispy bits that add flavor. The brown sugar caramelizes as it cooks, so watch the pork as it cooks so it doesn’t burn. Add the onion and garlic to the slow cooker and place the pork butt on top.

Is pork shoulder the same as pork butt?

Pork butt is a cut of meat that comes from the shoulder of the pig and has a high fat content, while pork shoulder also comes from the shoulder but has more muscle.

Can you overcook carnitas?

Yes, you can overcook carnitas in a crockpot. If you planned on cooking meat for a really long time, like 18+ hours, you would likely end up with overcooked meat that separated into really fine strands. I prefer cooking these on LOW so that the timeframe where they’re cooked is more forgiving.

Why are my carnitas tough?

If you don’t cook the connective tissue properly, it will be tough and rubbery. The connective tissue has to break down and literally melt away in the meat. This takes time. but when it’s done, the meat should fall apart by itself.

How do you keep carnitas from drying out?

So the key to great carnitas (and French confit, for that matter) is to heat the meat to a specific temperature, and try and keep it there long enough for the collagen to break down, while minimizing the amount of moisture lost.

Is barbacoa the same as carnitas?

The main difference between Barbacoa and Carnitas is the type of meat used. Barbacoa is made with lamb or beef, while Carnitas is made with pork. How are Barbacoa and Carnitas made? Barbacoa is made by cooking the meat over an open fire, while Carnitas cooks the pork in lard.

Is barbacoa or carnitas better?

Barbacoa shines out a little more than its competitor in terms of texture and flavor, particularly at Chipotle. This dish has a heartier texture and a deeper taste. Carnitas, on the other hand, has a significantly softer flavor profile. However, it has a crunchy texture from browning it after the slow-cooking process.

What is the difference between carnitas and al pastor tacos?

What is the difference between carnitas and al pastor? Carnitas and al pastor both use pork, but the cooking preparations and flavors are quite different. Carnitas are usually braised in liquid or fat. Al pastor is marinated, then grilled and utilizes pineapple to provide a tangy flavor.