From the Cook
1/2
Carnitas
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 275°F. Spray a Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray.
2
Place the pork and bacon in the Dutch oven. Season with the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and oregano. Stir to coat. Squeeze the juice from the orange and lime over pork, and arrange the citrus segments around the meat. Scatter the garlic, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro over pork.
3
Cover the Dutch oven with a lid. Bake the pork on middle rack of oven until it is fall-apart tender, 4-5 hours.
4
When done, remove pork from the oven. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set the oven to broil.
5
Remove the citrus, vegetables, and bacon from the Dutch oven and discard. Shred the pork with forks and arrange in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6
Broil the pork on top rack of oven, just until it begins to crisp, 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the pork to ensure it does not burn.
7
Check to see that pork is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
8
Serve immediately.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Render the Bacon Fat First 🥓Cook the bacon strips until crispy before adding the pork to build a flavorful fat base that infuses the entire dish with smoky, rich depth.
- Bloom Your Spices in Fat 🌶️Toast the cumin, coriander, and oregano in the hot bacon fat for 30 seconds before adding the meat to unlock their essential oils and amplify their complexity.
- Low and Slow Oven Temperature 🔥Cook carnitas at 300°F rather than higher temperatures to ensure the pork becomes impossibly tender without drying out, typically 4-5 hours depending on size.
- Finish with a Crispy Sear ✨After the slow-cook, shred the pork and briefly sear it in a hot skillet to create crispy, caramelized edges that provide textural contrast to the tender interior.
- Reserve and Reduce the Braising Liquid 💧Don't discard the cooking liquid—reduce it in a pan to concentrate the citrus and spice flavors into a silky sauce that elevates each bite of carnitas.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Gluten Free
Low Sugar
Low Carb
High Protein
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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