How To Marinate Pork Carnitas

Delicious Pork Carnitas: A Flavorful Journey

Are you ready to elevate your cooking game and impress your friends and family with a mouthwatering dish? Look no further than marinated pork carnitas! This traditional Mexican dish is bursting with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of marinating pork carnitas to perfection.

Choosing the Perfect Cut of Pork

Before you start marinating your pork, it’s important to select the right cut. Pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal choices for making carnitas. These cuts are well-marbled and contain enough fat to keep the meat moist and tender during the cooking process.

Gather Your Ingredients

Now that you have your pork, it’s time to gather the ingredients for the marinade. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Bay leaves
• Salt and pepper

The Marinating Process

Marinating the pork is where the magic happens. Combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Place the pork in the marinade, ensuring that it is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful carnitas.

Cooking the Marinated Pork

Once the pork has marinated to perfection, it’s time to cook it. You can prepare pork carnitas in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the oven. Whichever method you choose, be sure to sear the meat before cooking it to lock in the flavors. Slow cooking the marinated pork will result in juicy, fall-apart tender carnitas that are perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or serving over rice.

Final Thoughts

Marinating pork carnitas is a simple yet essential step in creating a dish that is bursting with flavor. By taking the time to marinate the pork with a combination of citrus, garlic, and spices, you can elevate this traditional Mexican dish to new heights. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a delicious homemade meal, marinated pork carnitas are sure to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, marinate your pork, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of homemade pork carnitas.