## Carnitas Recipe Oven: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Tender Pork

If you're looking to elevate your culinary skills and impress your family or guests, mastering a **Carnitas Recipe Oven** is essential. This traditional Mex……

If you're looking to elevate your culinary skills and impress your family or guests, mastering a **Carnitas Recipe Oven** is essential. This traditional Mexican dish, known for its rich flavors and tender texture, is perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoyed on its own. In this guide, we'll take you through a step-by-step process to create mouthwatering carnitas that will leave everyone begging for seconds.

### Ingredients You'll Need

To start, gather the following ingredients for your **Carnitas Recipe Oven**:

- 3 to 4 pounds of pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)

- 1 tablespoon of salt

- 1 tablespoon of cumin

- 1 tablespoon of oregano

- 1 teaspoon of black pepper

- 1 onion, quartered

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 orange, juiced (and the spent halves)

- 1 lime, juiced

- 1 cup of chicken broth

- Optional: bay leaves, jalapeños for added spice

### Preparation Steps

1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). A slow and low cooking method is key to achieving tender carnitas.

2. **Season the Pork**: In a large bowl, combine the salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated.

3. **Arrange in a Dutch Oven**: Place the seasoned pork in a Dutch oven or a heavy oven-safe pot. Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. For an extra kick, toss in bay leaves or jalapeños.

4. **Add the Orange Halves**: Squeeze the juice from the spent orange halves into the pot and then place the halves in with the pork. This adds a wonderful citrus flavor that complements the richness of the meat.

5. **Cover and Cook**: Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to cook for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.

### Shredding the Meat

Once your pork is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. After resting, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

### Crisping the Carnitas

For that delicious crispy texture that makes carnitas irresistible, follow these steps:

1. **Broil the Meat**: Preheat your broiler. Spread the shredded pork evenly on a baking sheet. Broil for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the edges start to crisp up. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

2. **Toss with Juices**: Once crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle some of the cooking juices over the meat. Toss to combine, ensuring each piece is coated.

### Serving Suggestions

Now that you have perfectly cooked carnitas, it's time to serve them up! Here are a few ideas:

- **Tacos**: Serve the carnitas in warm corn tortillas topped with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

- **Burritos**: Wrap the carnitas in a large flour tortilla with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.

- **Salads**: Add the carnitas to a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal.

### Conclusion

With this **Carnitas Recipe Oven**, you can enjoy authentic, flavorful carnitas right from your kitchen. The combination of slow cooking and the right spices creates a dish that is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in some of the best carnitas you've ever tasted!