Authentic Carnitas Recipe

Get ready for bold flavor with our Authentic Carnitas Recipe—tender, juicy pork that’s sure to become a favorite.

 Prep Time: 5 minutes  Cooking Time: 1 hour  Total Time: 1  hour 5 Minutes  Difficulty Level: Easy  Recipe Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients

▫ 2 pounds of fatty pork shoulder ▫ ¼ cup lard ▫ Enough water to cover ▫ 1 tablespoon salt ▫ 4 garlic cloves ▫ 1-2 jalapeño or poblano or  Anaheim pepper

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven. 2. Boil, then simmer covered for 45 minutes. 3. Uncover and reduce the liquid over medium-high heat. 4. Brown pork in its fat, stirring until crispy (about 15 minutes). 5. Season to taste and serve.

Chef's Pro Tip

The most common mistake while making this Dutch oven carnitas recipe is rushing the browning and frying step. Avoid turning up the heat too high or trying to speed up the process. Slowly and evenly brown the pork over medium-low heat, taking the full 15 minutes. This will ensure that every delicious morsel is crispy and flavorful.

Tender, crispy, and full of flavor, these authentic carnitas are a keto-friendly crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing and savoring.