Juicy and crispy, tender Mexican pulled pork is one of my absolute favorite dinners, and best of all? This easy carnitas recipe can be cooked 3 ways: in a slow-cooker, Dutch oven, or an Instant Pot.
3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 4-inch pieces
Categories
dinner
dairy-free
gluten-free
low-carb
whole-30
kid-friendly
pressure-cooker
slow-cooker
Cuisine
Mexican
Steps
Preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position.
In a large Dutch oven, combine the bay leaves, oregano, chili powder, kosher salt, cumin, pepper, cayenne pepper, onion, orange juice and rind, lime juice and chicken stock.
Nestle in the meat, cover, and roast for 2½ to 3 hours or until the pork is very tender and can be pulled apart easily with a fork. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork to a large baking dish or rimmed sheet pan, discarding any large pieces of fat. Use two forks to shred the pork into 1-inch pieces. Generously brush the meat with reserved liquid.
Turn on the broiler. Broil the shredded meat until the edges are crispy and caramelized, 5-8 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and using a spatula, flip the meat over. Broil for 5 more minutes, or until crispy on top.
Use the carnitas as desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Nutitrion
Calories: 293 calories
Carbohydrates: 4 grams carbohydrates
Protein: 27 grams protein
Fat: 19 grams fat
Saturated Fat: 6 grams saturated fat
Cholesterol: 84 milligrams cholesterol
Sodium: 433 milligrams sodium
Sugar: 2 grams sugar
Reviews
Meghann on 2026-07-08 (3 stars): Well I am sure it would have been delicious had either temp or length of time was not off bc I ended up with pieces of charcoal and I may need a new Dutch oven. lol I dont know how I messed this up 🤣
Moreno, Lara on 2026-06-27 (5 stars): I just put this recipe in the oven looks foolproof really. I used Penzeys Southwest seasoning which has all the spices that you mentioned the orange lemon onion and bouillon. I did half the recipe cause I had boneless pork ribs and its just for me! Thank you for your recipe!
Jean Wiley on 2026-06-19 (5 stars): Question: what do we use the reserved orange rind for? Recipe doesnt seem to specify?
Ann Bair on 2026-05-30 (5 stars): Delicious made in the crockpot exactly as written.
Anne on 2026-05-30 (5 stars): I came home with an empty dish! My art class has a standing potluck dinner. I am one of the few still working, so, this recipe was perfect (crock pot). I toned down the spice a little, knowing the audience. (Easier to add back heat.) My classmates gave me high marks and, for the first time, every bit of my contribution was eaten. A win! I definitely will make this again.
Sara on 2026-05-30 (5 stars): I made the pork carnitas for dinner yesterday. I followed the recipe exactly.?The pulled pork was delicious! My family loved it! Easy to make! Awesome taste! TY
Sara on 2026-05-30 (5 stars): I made the pork carnitas for dinner yesterday. I followed the recipe exactly.?The pulled pork was delicious! My family loved it! Easy to make! Awesome taste! TY
Hannah Baylock on 2026-03-15 (5 stars): This is the best carnitas and my favorite way to cook a pork butt. I've made it several times since discovering this recipe a couple of months ago and it's been perfect every time.
Great easy recipie on 2026-02-25 (5 stars): Great recipe. I also love to add a diced jalapeño (with or without seeds depending on how spicy you like it)
Melissa Eells on 2026-02-11 (5 stars): Absolutely DELICIOUS!!!
I cooked it in the Dutch oven and made burrito bowls with this. Next time, I think I'll make tacos, or maybe nachos, or maybe??? Who knows, but I'm definitely making it again!!
Delicious, already passed on the recipe to my daughter and daughter in law!!
