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    Home » All Recipes

    Dutch Oven Carnitas (Pork Shoulder)

    Published: Jan 8, 2023 · Modified: Jan 17, 2023 by Megan

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    Pork Carnitas- Tacos
    Pork Carnitas- Tacos

    Pork Shoulder Carnitas is made by adding all the ingredients to a dutch oven, baking it in the oven for a couple of hours, then crisping it up in a pan.

    Pork Carnitas with cilantro. this recipe

    This Carnitas is very versatile. You can use it for tacos, quesadillas, burritos, a rice bowl, or nachos. I like to add any leftovers to my eggs in the morning 🙂

    If you are looking for different ways to use carnitas, try some of these recipes:

    • Carnitas Quesadilla
    • Carnitas Fries
    • Carnitas Enchiladas
    • Carnitas Burrito
    Jump to:
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to Make Dutch Oven Carnitas
    • 🥡 How to Store
    • 🙋‍♀️ FAQ
    • ❤ Recipe
    • Want more easy dinners?

    🥘 Ingredients

    ingredients

    Boneless Pork Shoulder: Also called Boston Butt, make sure to trim the excess fat before cooking

    Salt: brings out the flavors

    Black Pepper: seasons the meat

    Onion: flavors the meat while cooking

    Jalapeno: adds flavor to the carnitas, but it doesn't add any spice

    Garlic: flavors the meat while cooking

    Orange Juice: helps to tenderize the pork and keep it moist

    Oregano & Cumin: seasons the meat

    Neutral Oil: used to crisp up the carnitas after it's done cooking

    🔪 How to Make Dutch Oven Carnitas

    steps to make Pork Carnitas Tacos.

    1. Mix: Add all of the ingredients ( except for the oil) to a large dutch oven. Mix everything together.

    2. Cook: Place the lid on the dutch oven and put it in the oven for 2 to 2 ½ hours or until the meat is very tender.

    3. Shred: Once the meat is tender, remove the pork chunks from the dutch oven and dispose of the leftover liquid.

    4. Crisp: To crisp the carnitas, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of oil. Working in batches, fry the meat in the skillet until the edges begin to brown and crisp up. Add more oil as needed.

    🥡 How to Store

    Only pan-fry the meat you intend on eating right away. Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Pork Carnitas Tacos with cilantro.

    🙋‍♀️ FAQ

    Do you trim the fat off pork shoulder?

    Pork shoulder is a fatty piece of meat. Trim off the large fat cap from the shoulder before cooking.

    What can I do with leftovers?

    You can freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months. You can also use the meat for enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, or add them to your eggs 🙂

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    ❤ Recipe

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Pork Carnitas with cilantro.

    Dutch Oven Carnitas (Pork Shoulder)

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe
    • Total Time: 3 hours

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2 - 2.5 lb boneless pork shoulder, fat trimmed
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 jalapenos, deseeded and chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
    • ½ cup orange juice
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 2 tablespoons neutral oil

    Instructions

    1. Adjust racks in your oven to accommodate the dutch oven (or remove the top rack if needed). Preheat the oven to 300F.
    2. Cut your pork shoulder into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces.
    3. Add and mix together all of your ingredients, except for the oil, in the dutch oven. 
    4. Place the lid on your dutch oven and cook in the oven for 2-2.5 hours or until the meat is very tender.
    5. Once the meat is tender, remove the pork chunks and dispose of the leftover liquid.
    6. Shred the carnitas with a fork. Store any meat you will not be eating in an air-tight container in the fridge.
    7. To crisp the carnitas: heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of oil. Working in batches, fry the meat in the skillet until the edges begin to brown and crisp up. Add more oil as needed. 
    • Author: Megan
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 2.5 hours

    Keywords: Dutch Oven Carnitas

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @MeganvsKitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #MeganVsKitchen

    Want more easy dinners?

    • Big Mac Sloppy Joe
    • Broiled Pork Chops
    • Cheesy Bean and Ric Burrito
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    Carnitas Burrito »

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    Hi, I'm Megan! Welcome to Megan Vs Kitchen. Trying to figure out what to make for dinner? That's tough. Well, I have a lot of quick and simple recipes for you! There are also a few desserts here too 🙂

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