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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare carnitas, look no further! This article will guide you through the simple steps of cooking tender and flavorful carnitas in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a tasty Mexican-style meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
Carnitas, which translates to “little meats” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish that features pork shoulder slow-cooked until tender and then typically served in tacos or burritos. The meat is first braised in liquid to lock in the juices, then roasted in the oven to achieve a crispy exterior. The result is a dish that is rich in flavor and has a perfect balance of tender and crispy textures.
To start, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including a boneless pork shoulder, a mixture of spices such as cumin and oregano, fresh garlic, and citrus juices like orange and lime. The combination of these flavors creates a delicious marinade that will infuse the meat with a burst of tanginess and aromatic notes.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, the process is simple. First, you’ll need to marinate the pork shoulder in the spice mixture for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. Then, you’ll place the marinated meat on a baking sheet and roast it in the oven at a low temperature for several hours, until it’s tender and easily shreds apart with a fork. Finally, you’ll broil the meat for a few minutes to achieve that coveted crispy exterior.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe for oven-baked carnitas is sure to become a favorite in your household. The aromatic spices, tender and flavorful meat, and crispy texture make it a winning dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering Mexican feast!
What are carnitas?
Carnitas are a delicious Mexican dish made from slow-cooked pork. The word “carnitas” actually translates to “little meats” in Spanish. The dish is traditionally made by simmering pork in lard or oil until it is tender and falling apart. The result is succulent, flavorful meat that can be served in a variety of ways.
Carnitas are typically made using pork shoulder or pork butt, as these cuts are well-suited for slow cooking. The meat is often seasoned with a combination of spices such as garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder to enhance its flavor. It is then cooked over low heat for several hours, allowing the meat to become fork-tender and easily shred.
Once the pork is cooked, it can be served in a number of ways. Traditionally, carnitas are served in soft corn tortillas and topped with cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. They can also be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. The possibilities are endless!
Origins of Carnitas
Carnitas originated in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. It is believed that the dish was created by Mexican farmers who needed a way to preserve and utilize the entire pig after it was slaughtered. By cooking the meat slowly in its own fat, they were able to create a delicious and long-lasting dish.
Popular Variations
While traditional carnitas are made from pork, there are also variations that use other meats such as beef or chicken. Some recipes even use a combination of different meats for added flavor.
Another popular variation is “taqueria-style” carnitas, which are typically cooked in a large pot or pan over high heat to achieve a crispy exterior while still maintaining tender meat. These crispy carnitas are often served as a topping for nachos or as a filling for burritos or tortas.
No matter the variation, carnitas are a beloved Mexican dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer them soft and tender or crispy and flavorful, carnitas are sure to be a hit at any meal!
Benefits of cooking carnitas in the oven
Cooking carnitas in the oven offers several benefits that make it a popular method for preparing this delicious Mexican dish:
- Ease of preparation: Cooking carnitas in the oven requires minimal preparation and is a simple cooking method that anyone can master.
- Even cooking: The oven provides a consistent heat source, ensuring that the carnitas cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside.
- Hands-off cooking: Once you have seasoned the pork and placed it in the oven, you can step away and let it cook without needing to constantly monitor or adjust the heat.
- More control over the cooking process: Oven cooking allows you to control the temperature and cooking time more accurately, ensuring that the carnitas come out exactly as you prefer.
- Ability to cook large quantities: The oven’s spacious interior allows you to cook a large batch of carnitas, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Less oil and grease: Unlike traditional stovetop methods, cooking carnitas in the oven eliminates the need for excess oil and pan-frying, resulting in a healthier dish.
By using the oven to cook your carnitas, you can enjoy all these benefits while achieving delicious, tender, and flavorful results every time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious carnitas in the oven:
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Note: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
List of ingredients for carnitas
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to cook delicious carnitas in the oven:
– 2 pounds of pork shoulder, cut into chunks
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1 teaspoon of oregano
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1/4 cup of orange juice
– 1/4 cup of lime juice
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– Tortillas, for serving
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
– Sliced avocado, for serving
Instructions
1. Preparing the Pork
Start by preheating the oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 2-inch cubes. Season the pork cubes with salt and pepper.
2. Searing the Pork
In a large oven-safe pan or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes in a single layer and sear them on all sides until they turn golden brown. This will help seal in the juices and add flavor to the carnitas. Work in batches if necessary.
3. Adding the Flavors
Once the pork cubes are seared, remove them from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add sliced onions, minced garlic, and optional spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Cook them for a few minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
4. Braising the Pork
Return the seared pork cubes to the pan and pour in enough chicken or vegetable broth to cover the pork by about halfway. Add a bay leaf for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once simmering, cover the pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the pork braise in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shredding and Crisping the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and use two forks to shred the meat. Return the shredded pork to the pan and mix it with the juices and onions.
For extra crispy carnitas, heat a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer a portion of the shredded pork to the skillet and cook it for a few minutes, allowing the bottom to crisp up. Repeat this process until all the shredded pork has been crisped.
Your oven-baked carnitas are now ready to be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, or any other dish of your choice. Serve them with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Step-by-step instructions for cooking carnitas in the oven
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook delicious carnitas in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 2-inch (5-cm) cubes.
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Once all the pork cubes are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt to the pot. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Return the pork cubes to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Add enough water or chicken broth to the pot to cover the pork cubes by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat, then cover the pot with a lid.
- Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove the pot from the oven and use two forks to shred the meat into smaller pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix it with the cooking liquid.
- Place the pot back in the oven, uncovered, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce and the meat to crisp up.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let the carnitas rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade carnitas in tacos, burritos, or as a topping for rice and beans!
Q&A
What are carnitas?
Carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish made from braised or roasted pork, typically seasoned with spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic.
Can I cook carnitas in the oven?
Yes, you can cook carnitas in the oven. It’s a great option if you don’t have a slow cooker or prefer a different cooking method.
What is the best cut of pork to use for carnitas?
Pork shoulder or pork butt is the best cut to use for carnitas. It has the right amount of fat and marbling to keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
How long does it take to cook carnitas in the oven?
Cooking carnitas in the oven usually takes about 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking method helps to tenderize the meat and develop rich flavors.
What temperature should I cook carnitas at in the oven?
It is recommended to cook carnitas at a low temperature of around 325°F (160°C). This low heat helps to slowly cook the pork and render the fat, resulting in tender and flavorful carnitas.
What are carnitas?
Carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish made from tender, slow-cooked pork that is typically seasoned with spices such as cumin, oregano, and garlic. The meat is cooked until it is tender and then shredded or chopped before serving.