This Easy Baked Pork Carnitas recipe makes delicious, tender meat that’s perfect for tacos. The slow-cooking method gives it a lovely flavor, and it’s super easy to throw together!
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of spices wafting through the kitchen! I love piling my tacos high with toppings—it’s like a mini party in every bite! 🌮
Plus, you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week. It’s perfect for meal prep, so you can always have tasty tacos ready to go when those cravings hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for carnitas because it has enough fat to keep the meat juicy during cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use pork loin, but it won’t be as tender or flavorful.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and oregano are essential for that classic Mexican flavor. If you want to spice things up, consider adding cayenne pepper for extra heat! Otherwise, taco seasoning is a great substitute.
Orange & Lime Juice: Fresh juice enhances the dish with a wonderful citrus flavor. If you’re out of fresh oranges, bottled juice will work too, or swap it with pineapple juice for a sweeter twist!
Chicken Broth: It adds moisture to the meat. If you’re avoiding animal products, feel free to use vegetable broth instead, which keeps the flavor profile strong.
How Can I Get the Perfect Shredded Pork?
To achieve that ideal tender, shreddable pork, slow cooking is the key. Bake it low and slow—that 3-hour mark at 300°F truly lets the flavors meld together. Don’t rush this step! When it’s fork-tender, shred it gently to maintain some texture.
- After shredding, spread the pork evenly in the pan for that crispy edge when you bake it again at a higher temperature.
- Keep an eye on it in the oven during the final step to avoid burning; the goal is crispy edges, not charred meat!
Enjoy your carnitas in tacos, burritos, or even on nachos for a fun twist!
Easy Baked Pork Carnitas for Tasty Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes total—30 minutes for prep work and about 3 hours to bake. The cooking time is important for tenderizing the pork, so don’t skip ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature allows the flavors to develop beautifully while the pork becomes tender.
2. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix gives the carnitas their delicious flavor!
3. Prepare the Pork:
Rub the pork chunks all over with the olive oil, then sprinkle and coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Make sure every piece is well seasoned for the best flavor.
4. Arrange the Pork:
Place the seasoned pork chunks in a large roasting pan or oven-safe baking dish, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Add the Citrus Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Pour this delicious mixture over the pork, soaking it in flavor!
6. Bake Covered:
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and put it in the oven. Bake for about 3 hours or until the pork is fork-tender and can be shredded easily.
7. Increase the Temperature:
Once the pork is tender, remove it from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). This pan will soon get crispy!
8. Shred the Pork:
Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces and spread it out evenly in the pan. This step gives you that nice texture when you eat it!
9. Bake for Crispiness:
Return the uncovered pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it cooks until the edges of the pork are crispy and slightly caramelized.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then it’s time to serve!
11. Assemble Tacos:
Serve the carnitas in warm tortillas and enjoy topping them with your favorites like chopped onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and creamy avocado. Get ready for some tasty tacos!
Enjoy your flavorful, tender, and crispy baked pork carnitas tacos! They’ll surely be a hit at your next meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes! While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork loin as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that it may not be as juicy or flavorful.
What If I Don’t Have Orange Juice?
No worries! If you’re out of orange juice, you can substitute it with pineapple juice for a sweeter flavor, or simply use more lime juice to keep it tangy. Bottled juice works in a pinch, too!
Can I Make the Carnitas in Advance?
Absolutely! After cooking, let the carnitas cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop for a quick meal.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Feel free to ask if you have more questions about the recipe! Enjoy your cooking!
