Whether you like them deliciously crispy or juicy and tender, this recipe for Dutch Oven Braised Pork Carnitas is a must-try. While there are dozens of ways to make this beloved Mexican pulled pork, this particularly simple recipe is a family favoriteโ€”no coke or condensed milk needed!

Dutch oven carnitas on a round black plate with a scoop of refried beans topped with cheese, slices of avocado, and a warmed tortilla on the side.

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I absolutely love pork carnitas! From my condensed milk carnitas tacos to my sweet and sticky carnitas en Coca-Cola, authentic carnitas come in many delicious forms. In this recipe, the pork is braisedโ€”slow-cooked in a flavorful liquid until tender. For that perfect crispy texture, simply crisp them up in a frying pan once theyโ€™re fork-tender.

These Dutch oven carnitas are so spectacular, the recipe found its way into my newest cookbook, Fiestas. Iโ€™m so excited to share it with you here! If youโ€™ve never made this Mexican pork dish before, this dairy-free recipe is an excellent place to startโ€”you only need six fresh ingredients, a handful of pantry staples, and about 20 minutes of active cooking time. 

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Carnitas Dutch Oven Recipe

  • Aside from the pork shoulder, nearly all of the ingredients are kitchen staples, making this stovetop recipe accessible to all home cooks!
  • Braising carnitas ensures fantastically tender, deeply flavorful results with very little active effort.
  • In this authentic pork carnitas recipe post, Iโ€™ll show you how to go above and beyond by making fried carnitasโ€”an optional extra step that makes them crispy and extra craveable.

Ingredients & Substitutions 

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

  • Lard – For the most authentic flavor, sear the pork shoulder in lardโ€”either shelf-stable or freshโ€”for a deeply porky taste. If you donโ€™t have lard on hand, feel free to use your choice of cooking oil or solid vegetable shortening, though youโ€™ll miss out on some of the savory flavor.
  • Boneless Pork Shoulder – Also known as pork butt, Boston butt, picnic shoulder, picnic roast, or pork blade roast.
  • Orange – Fresh orange juice is preferred, but youโ€™re welcome to swap in bottled orange juice if thatโ€™s what you have on hand.
  • White Onion – These onions have a sharper flavor than either yellow or red onions, but you can swap in either if needed.
  • Garlic – For the freshest flavor, use whole garlic cloves instead of jarred minced garlic. If needed, substitute with ยผ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove, but the flavor will be milder.
  • Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce – This canned pantry item is your shortcut to big, spicy, smoky flavor. I recommend freezing any leftovers in a silicone ice cube tray, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. 
  • Dried Mexican Oregano – If you donโ€™t have Mexican oregano on hand, marjoram is the closest substitute. Lemon verbena, regular oregano, or thyme can also be used.
  • Ground Cumin – Just a pinch of ground cumin is all you need. Only have whole cumin seeds? Use about 25% less than called for and crush them using a molcajete (mortar and pestle) or spice grinder.
  • Ground Cinnamon – If possible, crush or grind canela (Mexican cinnamon) for the most authentic flavor.
  • Bay Leaves – Fresh or dried bay leaves will impart flavor and make meat tender. 
  • Fresh Thyme – While fresh is preferred, you can use โ…“ as much dried thyme leaves.
  • Dark Brown Sugar – Adding a bit of sweetness to the braising liquid not only imparts a yummy flavor, but it also helps with caramelization if you opt to make crispy carnitas. Ground piloncillo would also make a wonderful substitute for that deep, rich sweetness!
  • Water, Salt & Ground Black Pepper – The basics. If possible, start with filtered water, kosher or fine sea salt, and freshly ground pepper for the best results.
ingredients for making braised carnitas in the dutch oven measured out on a dark grey slate table.

How to Make Braised Carnitas in a Dutch Oven

Step 1: Season & Sear. Heat lard in a Dutch oven or large pan over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt. Working in batches, brown the pork on all sides, about 3โ€“4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate once browned.

Step 2: Blend Braising Liquid. While the pork is browning, blend the water, orange juice, onion, garlic, chiles, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Braise Pork. Return the browned pork to the pot and pour in the braising liquid. Sprinkle sugar over the meat and add thyme and bay leaves. Cover, reduce heat, and cook on medium-low for about 1 hour until the pork is fork-tender.

Step 4: Shred or Fry. For tender carnitas, shred or chop the pork and keep warm. For crispy carnitas, follow the frying instructions below.

foil lined sheet pan with shredded carnitas after cooking; the excess cooking liquid is puddling at the bottom.

How to Make Crispy Fried Carnitas

Option 1: Broil for a Quick Crisp
Line a baking sheet with foil and spread the shredded or chopped pork in an even layer. Broil on high for about 4-6 minutes, watching closely until the pork becomes crispy and caramelized to your liking.

Option 2: Pan-Fry for Extra Flavor
Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded or chopped pork and cook, turning occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the edges become crispy and golden brown. The timing will depend on how much moisture the pork released and how crispy you like it.

Dutch oven carnitas in a Mexican platter with a vintage spoon.

Optional Variations 

This recipe has not been tested with all of these substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

  • Slow Cooker – Prefer crockpot carnitas? After searing the pork pieces, place them in your slow cooker, cover with the braising liquid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
table set with all the fixings for a carnitas platter with two round black carnitas plates with refried beans topped with cheese, sliced fresh avocado, warm flour tortillas, and lime wedges, two glasses of Mexican beer, and chile de arbol salsa to the side.

Serving & Topping Suggestions 

Serve carnitas as a delicious entrรฉe alongside classic sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, homemade flour tortillas, and avocado or guacamole. Donโ€™t forget a cold Mexican beer to complete the meal.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy crispy carnitas is in tacos. Spoon the fried carnitas onto warm corn tortillas, and top with pickled red onions, guacamole, and a drizzle of chile de arbol salsa. For added crunch and flavor, garnish with radish slices and chopped white onion, just like traditional street tacos.

If you’re looking to get creative, carnitas are incredibly versatile. You can also serve them in burritos, tostadas, sopes, gorditas, taquitos, nachos, fries, quesadillas, and more. If a dish works with pulled meat, itโ€™ll be perfect with these traditional Mexican carnitas.

You can also make a fun twist on my birria grilled cheese sandwiches, swapping in crispy carnitas. Feel free to use the braising liquid like a dipping jus, or serve it dryโ€”the buttery bread and melty cheese should provide plenty of moisture.

Expert Tips & Tricks

  • Cut the pork butt into smaller pieces for faster cooking. By breaking it down into approximately 5-inch pieces, you can cut several hours from the braising time.
  • Donโ€™t remove the fat before searing and braisingโ€”it helps keep your carnitas extra moist, tender, and flavorful. 
  • Donโ€™t skip the browning step! This is crucial for developing deep, meaty flavor. 
  • Cut down on dishes by wiping out your Dutch oven with a paper towel and using it to pan-fry the carnitas until crispy.
  • If youโ€™re making fried carnitas, be patient. Let the meat chunks sit undisturbed for at least a minute to form a nice, crisp bark. The meat should easily release from the pan when it is ready to turn

Storage & Heating Instructions 

  • Refrigerated – Leftover carnitas can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 
  • Frozen – For longer storage, you can freeze carnitas for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating – To reheat, allow to defrost overnight in the fridge. You can either crisp up the defrosted pieces using the instructions for making fried carnitas above, or warm gently in any leftover braising liquid you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you brown carnitas before cooking?

ABSOLUTELY! This is a non-negotiable step if you want the best carnitas. Why? It all comes down to a chemical process known as the Maillard reaction.ย 

What is the secret ingredient in carnitas?

Aside from the pork itself, different cooks (and different recipes) will point to different ingredients that are the most important for building flavor. In this particular recipe, I think lard, orange juice, and chipotles in adobo are the biggest players, contributing meatiness, brightness, and smoky spiciness, respectively.

Can you overcook Dutch oven carnitas?

Yes, however, using the slow braising method should reduce your risk. Just make sure to not let the braising liquid come to a boil, which can push natural juices out of the meat and cause the connective tissues to toughen. Aim for keeping a steady temperature of about 300ยบF and an internal temperature of about 145ยบF.
Also, make sure youโ€™re keeping a close eye on the meat if you opt to brown and crisp it after braisingโ€”it should be a nice golden brown and emit an aromatic scent. If itโ€™s turning dark brown/black or you smell an acrid scent, youโ€™re likely overdoing it.

What is the best way to cook tough cuts of meat?

Low and slow! While this can be achieved via roasting, smoking, or braising, Iโ€™m particularly fond of braisingโ€”the added liquid helps ensure the meat doesnโ€™t dry out during the cooking process.

Dutch oven carnitas in a Mexican platter with a vintage spoon.

Crispy Pork Carnitas (Dutch Oven)

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This simple, straightforward recipe for authentic Mexican carnitas is packed to the brim with bright flavor. Take an extra step to pan fry the shredded pork after cooking for deliciously crispy edges.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons lard, or solid vegetable shortening
  • 3 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 5-inch chunks (do not remove fat)
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups cups water
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 1/2 white onion, roughly chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions 

  • In a large, deep frying pan or a stockpot over medium-high heat, melt the lard. While the lard is heating, season the pork on all sides with 1 teaspoon salt. When the lard is hot, working in batches to avoid crowding, add the pork and cook, turning once, until browned on both sides, 3โ€“4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and repeat until all the pork is browned.
  • While the pork is browning, make the braising liquid. In a blender, combine the water, orange juice, onion, garlic, chiles, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, 1 tablespoon salt, and the pepper and blend until smooth.
  • When all the pork is browned, return it to the pan and pour in the braising liquid. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the meat and set the thyme sprigs and bay leaves on top. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the pork is fork-tender, about 1 hour.
  • If you like carnitas tender, shred the pork or chop it into bite-size pieces and keep warm.

Crispy Pork Carnitas

  • Line a baking sheet with foil and spread the shredded or chopped pork in an even layer. Broil on high for about 4-6 minutes, watching closely until the pork becomes crispy and caramelized to your liking. Or heat a large cast-iron frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the exterior is crispy and caramelized. The timing will depend on how much liquid the pork gave off and how crackly you want the outside.

Notes

  • Cut the pork butt into smaller pieces for faster cooking. By breaking it down into approximately 5-inch pieces, you can cut several hours from the braising time.
  • Donโ€™t remove the fat before searing and braisingโ€”it helps keep your carnitas extra moist, tender, and flavorful.ย 
  • Donโ€™t skip the browning step! This is crucial for developing deep, meaty flavor.ย 
  • Cut down on dishes by wiping out your Dutch oven with a paper towel and using it to pan-fry the carnitas until crispy.
  • If youโ€™re making fried carnitas, be patient. Let the meat chunks sit undisturbed for at least a minute to form a nice, crisp bark. The meat should easily release from the pan when it is ready to turn.
Storage & Heating Instructionsย 
  • Refrigerated – Leftover carnitas can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.ย 
  • Frozen – For longer storage, you can freeze carnitas for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating – To reheat, allow to defrost overnight in the fridge. You can either crisp up the defrosted pieces using the instructions for making fried carnitas above, or warm gently in any leftover braising liquid you have on hand.
Calories: 249kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 95mg, Sodium: 87mg, Potassium: 652mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 46IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 2mg