Ingredients and Weight:
- Pork shoulder or butt (4 pounds, about 1.8kg)
- Kosher salt (2 tablespoons)
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
- Bay leaves (4-5 pieces)
- Orange juice (1 cup)
- Fresh lime juice (1/4 cup)
- Minced garlic (3 cloves)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or 4-5 hours in an oven
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine salt, pepper, bay leaves, orange juice, lime juice and garlic. Mix well.
- Cut the pork into large chunks and place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the pork and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart.
- Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks and serve with your favorite tacos, tortillas or rice.
Nutritional Information:
(Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving (based on the size of the pork shoulder)
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low (if served with low-carb options like tacos or tortillas)
- Protein: High
Dish Characteristics:
- Slow-cooked, resulting in tender and juicy pork.
- Full of Mexican flavors with a combination of citrusy and savory notes.
- Carnitas are typically served as a taco filling or as a main dish with rice and beans.
User Comments:
- "The flavors were spot on! The pork was so tender and juicy."
- "I love how easy this recipe is to make in a slow cooker. It's a perfect dish for a busy day."
- "I served this with corn tortillas and black beans. It was a hit at my dinner party!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use a pork shoulder or butt with some marbling for best results.
- Slow cooking is key to tenderizing the pork and developing rich flavors.
- Adjust seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, lime juice or orange juice for your desired taste.
