Carnitas: Braised and Fried Pork

Gluten Free
Health score
14%
Carnitas: Braised and Fried Pork
120 min.
8
288kcal

Suggestions


If you're looking to elevate your culinary repertoire, look no further than this incredible recipe for Carnitas: Braised and Fried Pork. Originating from Mexico, carnitas are renowned for their rich flavor and tender texture, making them the perfect choice for a variety of occasions, from casual lunches to festive dinners with family and friends. With each bite, you’ll experience the savory notes of garlic, the warmth of dried oregano, and the citrus brightness of orange, all harmoniously blending together in a comforting dish that is gluten-free and incredibly satisfying.

This recipe not only boasts a mouthwatering profile but also offers a unique cooking method that transforms fatty pork shoulder into irresistibly crispy, yet tender morsels. The process involves slowly braising the pork until it’s fork-tender and delectably absorbing all the aromatic spices. Then, it’s roasted in the oven to achieve that signature caramelized crust that sets precious carnitas apart from other dishes. Not only is this recipe feast-worthy, providing ample servings for up to eight, but it’s also flexible enough to adjust easily for smaller gatherings.

Whether you enjoy them in tacos, on a bed of rice, or alongside your favorite sides, these carnitas are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings. Prepare to delight your taste buds and make this delightful dish a beloved staple in your cooking arsenal!

Ingredients

  •  bay leaves 
  •  garlic clove peeled
  • 0.5  cranberry-orange relish cut into 2 pieces
  • teaspoons oregano dried crumbled
  • pounds boston butt pork shoulder cut into 2-inch pieces
  • teaspoons kosher salt fine
  • tablespoon condensed milk sweetened
  • 0.3 cup vegetable oil 
  • cups water 
  • medium onion white thinly sliced

Equipment

  • bowl
  • oven
  • pot

Directions

  1. Put all the ingredients in a wide 6-to 7-quart heavy pot (don't worry if the pork is not completely covered) and bring the water to a boil, skimming the surface as necessary. Lower the heat and simmer vigorously, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender and the liquid has completely evaporated, 1½ to 2 hours. Discard the orange pieces and bay leaves. If the liquid hasn't evaporated after 2 hours, transfer the pork pieces to a bowl and let the liquid continue to bubble away, stirring often, until it has.
  2. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  3. Transfer the pork and fat to an ovenproof dish, if necessary, and brown the pork, uncovered, in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. There's no need to stir.
  4. Carnitas keeps in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  5. If you want to make half a batch, cut the amount of pork, salt, and oregano in half, but use the same amount of the remaining ingredients and water. You will need to use a slightly smaller pot.
  6. Reprinted with permission from Truly Mexican by Roberto Santibañez with JJ Goode, © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Nutrition Facts

Calories288kcal
Protein39.1%
Fat53.88%
Carbs7.02%

Properties

Glycemic Index
20.69
Glycemic Load
1.73
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
17.947826091281%

Flavonoids

Hesperetin
2.23mg
Naringenin
1.25mg
Luteolin
0.02mg
Isorhamnetin
0.69mg
Kaempferol
0.11mg
Myricetin
0.06mg
Quercetin
2.88mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:288.26kcal
14.41%
Fat:16.97g
26.11%
Saturated Fat:4.61g
28.82%
Carbohydrates:4.98g
1.66%
Net Carbohydrates:4.26g
1.55%
Sugar:2.76g
3.07%
Cholesterol:93.54mg
31.18%
Sodium:695.32mg
30.23%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:27.71g
55.42%
Vitamin B1:1.25mg
83.04%
Selenium:41.74µg
59.63%
Vitamin B6:0.64mg
31.99%
Vitamin B3:6mg
30.02%
Zinc:4.46mg
29.71%
Phosphorus:296.29mg
29.63%
Vitamin B2:0.46mg
26.93%
Vitamin B12:1.17µg
19.55%
Potassium:534.58mg
15.27%
Vitamin K:15.76µg
15.01%
Vitamin B5:1.22mg
12.16%
Iron:1.99mg
11.04%
Vitamin C:7.51mg
9.1%
Magnesium:34.94mg
8.74%
Copper:0.17mg
8.53%
Manganese:0.12mg
5.81%
Calcium:49.66mg
4.97%
Vitamin E:0.67mg
4.48%
Folate:13.6µg
3.4%
Fiber:0.72g
2.86%
Source:Epicurious