AUTHENTIC CARNITAS — TENDER BRAISED PORK WITH CRISPY OVEN FINISH

Carnitas, meaning “little pieces of meat,” is a simple yet flavorful Mexican dish made by slow-cooking pork until tender, then roasting it to achieve a perfect caramelized crisp. Served in warm tortillas with a variety of fresh salsas and sides, it’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for parties and casual gatherings.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Cook Time: 3-4 hours + 15 min roasting
🍽️ Yields: 4-5 servings (with suggested sides)

Ingredients

1 fresh pork knuckle or pork shoulder
2 bay leaves
3 garlic cloves
Chili flakes, to taste
Whole peppercorns, to taste

To Serve

Tortilla wraps or flatbreads
Guacamole (best prepared shortly before serving)
Salsa ranchera
Sour cream
Mexican refried beans
Spanish rice

Instructions

Trim pork knuckle of excess fat and cut into large chunks.
Place pork pieces in a large pot, cover with plenty of water. Add bay leaves, garlic cloves, chili flakes, and peppercorns.
Simmer gently over low heat for 3-4 hours until pork is so tender it easily pulls apart with a fork.
Let pork cool in its cooking broth until ready to serve.
About 30 minutes before serving, remove pork from broth and shred into bite-sized pieces.
Spread pork evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 15 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
Serve the crispy carnitas in warm tortillas accompanied by small bowls of guacamole, salsa ranchera, sour cream, refried beans, and Spanish rice. Guests can assemble their own perfect tacos.

💡 Tips

Prepare the pork well in advance; roasting just before serving ensures crispy texture.
Make guacamole fresh to avoid browning from oxidation.
Use plenty of aromatics in the cooking broth for flavorful meat.
Serve with a variety of sides for a customizable taco experience.

🎉 Perfect For

Casual parties and gatherings
Build-your-own taco nights
Flavorful, easy-to-prepare Mexican meals