Crispy Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooked Pulled Pork) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between carnitas and pulled pork? ›

Pulled Pork. Both carnitas and pulled pork are cooked slowly for several hours, and great to make in the slow cooker or instant pot. Unlike pulled pork, however, carnitas are finished by roasting the meat in the oven until browned and crisp.

Oven temps for perfect carnitas

For our carnitas, we want the temperature of the confit cooking fat to be about 200°F (93°C) or a little higher. At this temperature, we won't be drying out the surface of the meat cubes while we heat their centers.

Step One: The trick to getting the most flavorful carnitas, is to sear the pork before allowing it to braise for hours. First, season the pork with a liberal sprinkle of salt and then sear the pork pieces on both sides until golden brown in avocado oil. Browning the meat helps to develop a rich deep flavor.

Carnitas are a popular Mexican pulled pork dish. The meat is braised slowly in orange juice and seasonings until very tender and juicy on the inside, then broiled with some cooking liquid until crispy and caramelized on the outside.

Why do you put orange juice in carnitas? The acidity of orange juice helps to break down the meat so it's meltingly tender and shreddable and adds flavor depth to the cooking liquid.

Pork Carnitas Seasoning

Pork shoulder is extra flavorful thanks to kosher salt, a chopped onion, fresh garlic, lime juice, chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin.

Additionally, spray chicken broth or apple juice on the meat to prevent it from losing more moisture in the crockpot. To add a strong flavor during the process, white wine can also be sprayed. You can shred the pork during smoking or in the crockpot.

Can you overcook carnitas in slow cooker? Any cut of meat can become overcooked, even in the crockpot. Avoid cooking this pork carnitas recipe for longer than the times listed below, or the meat will end up tough and chewy.

Your carnitas may have come out dry by using the wrong cut of pork or overcooking. Follow these tips to ensure moist and tender carnitas: Use **pork butt instead of pork shoulder. Pork butt has more fat marbling throughout the meat so it stays juicier during cooking, whereas leaner cuts easily become dry.

In other regions of Mexico, people add their own special seasoning to this dish, such as condensed milk, garlic, chicken broth, co*ke, orange juice, and/or beer. Not only do these ingredients give the carnitas their distinctive golden-brownish color, but they also help tenderize the meat.

Should you brown pulled pork before slow cooking? ›

Preparing the pork

I prefer to season the meat before adding it to the slow cooker with my favourite spices, along with salt and pepper. I also recommend browning the meat slightly prior to slow cooking which will help maximise the flavour. However, this is a step that can be left out if you don't have enough time.

Crock Pot Pulled Pork: I prefer the oven, which yields a nice crispy exterior; however, the slow cooker gives you really tender and juicy meat as well. Place the pork in a Crock Pot and prepare as directed in the recipe. Cover and cook on LOW for 10-12 hours or on HIGH for 6-7 hours.

In short, more than a food, carnitas was a form of community bonding until not so long ago. Mexicans love their carnitas so much, that it has become an important part of other dishes, particularly tortas ahogadas, or drowned tortas, a typical delicacy in the state of Jalisco.

If the meat is easily pulled apart with a fork, it's done. If the meat is still tough and hasn't gone tender, it needs more braising time. Add a bit more water at a time and continue simmering until it reaches a tender texture.

Carnitas, carne asada, and al pastor are all authentic Mexican dishes. Carnitas is made with pork that has been braised or slow-cooked until it's fork-tender. Carne asada is made with beef that has been grilled to perfection. Al pastor is made with pork that has been grilled and then sliced off the spit.

What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork? Pork shoulder is ideal for pulling purposes. It has an optimum fat content that yields to create tender, melty meat, but it's essential you cook it slowly to allow the protein to break down properly.

Customary bar-b-que Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked pork shoulder or butt, commonly prepared with a dry rub, and afterward covered in bar-b-que sauce. It's not unexpected served on a bun with coleslaw. 2. Carolina Pulled Pork: A Carolina-style variety includes a vinegar-based sauce with a tart and somewhat hot flavor.

Pulled pork is just shredded pork that has been traditionally smoked or slow-cooked to achieve a soft texture.

Carnitas are shredded meats cooked by braising or simmering in fat and marinades or spice blends until tender. The meats are then pulled apart or shredded if not already, and cooked over high heat to crisp. For Vegan versions, you can use chicken or pork subs, mushrooms, jackfruit etc.