15 Pork Shoulder Roast Carnitas

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 pork shoulder roast carnitas 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 Pork Shoulder Roast Carnitas

Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

6 hr 15 min

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

5.0858

RecipeTin Eats

Pork Carnitas

4 hr

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

4.5159

Jo Cooks

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

6 hr 10 min

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

4.984

Gimme Some Oven

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

Pork Carnitas Recipe (Dutch Oven and Instant Pot)

5 hr 55 min

Kg pork butt, orange juice, tequila, lime juice, cayenne pepper

5.01

The Flavor Bender

Easy Carnitas Recipe

4 hr 5 min

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

4.4456

Isabel Eats

Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)

8 hr 40 min

Pork shoulder blade, chicken broth, adobo sauce, sazon, adobo seasoning

4.952

Skinnytaste

Pork Carnitas

10 hr 15 min

Boneless pork shoulder, ribs, orange, olive oil, garlic

4.4272

Food Network

Cooker Ready Pork Roast – Carnitas

No reviews

AdapTable Meals

Easy Carnitas Recipe

3 hr 45 min

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

5.038

Baking Mischief

Slow Cooker Beer Braised Pork Carnitas

4 hr 10 min

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

5.013

Midwest Foodie

Best Carnitas (Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

8 hr 10 min

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

5.053

Downshiftology

CROCK POT PORK CARNITAS

10 hr 25 min

Pound boston butt, sour cream, corn tortillas, creole seasoning, onion powder

5.01

The Country Cook

Pork Carnitas

3 hr 45 min

Pork shoulder, chicken broth, lime juice, garlic, chili powder

4.8549

Allrecipes

Pork Carnitas (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)

2 hr 20 min

Pork shoulder roast, brown sugar, chipotle peppers, chili powder, chicken stock

4.98

A Little and A Lot

12 Related Question Answers About Pork Shoulder Roast Carnitas

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 is the difference between carnitas and pulled pork?

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 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 pork roast is best for shredded pork?

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 and picnic the same?

Pork shoulder is also called pork picnic shoulder and is found directly below the pork butt on the animal. This sub-primal cut runs from the bottom of the pork butt to the top of the front leg hoof. As opposed to the pork butt, this is a well-used muscle on the pig, making it a more dense and tough piece of meat.

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.

Is carnitas same as al pastor?

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.

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.