Print Options

Back to Mexican Carnitas >

Include these items:

Select reviews >

Taste of Home Logo

Mexican Carnitas

Mexican Carnitas
Ever hear of "carnitas"? They're easy-to-make pork crisps that are very popular in Mexico. The secret to this recipe is the citrus and quick frying. Be sure the meat is well drained before it's place in oil, though, or it will splatter and pop. My husband works at a timber mill. Logging is an important industry here in the mountainous northeast part of our state, and there are also numero
12-16 ServingsPrep: 10 min. Bake: 2 hours 10 min.

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (3 to 4 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 3 large oranges, divided
  • 1 large lemon
  • Oil for frying
  • 12 to 16 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, salsa and guacamole

Directions

  • Place meat in a medium-size roasting pan. Sprinkle with garlic and
  • cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze the juice from one
  • orange and the lemon over the meat. Slice the remaining oranges and
  • place over the meat.
  • Cover and bake at 350° for about 2 hours or until meat is tender.
  • With a slotted spoon, remove meat and drain well on paper towels.
  • Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and fry meat 1 lb. at a time
  • until brown and crispy.
  • Serve warm in tortillas with toppings of your choice. Yield: 12-16
  • servings.
© Taste of Home 2013

2 of 2

Mexican Carnitas (continued)

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving equals 341 calories, 19 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 50 mg cholesterol, 387 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 18 g protein.
Wine: Sweet White Wine: Enjoy this recipe with a sweet white wine such as Moscato or a sweet Riesling.
© Taste of Home 2013