Get ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico! This Oven Baked Brown Sugar Spiced Pork Carnitas recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines sweet, spicy, and savory notes in one irresistible dish. With just a few simple ingredients and some patient slow cooking, you'll create tender, juicy pork that falls apart at the mere touch of a fork, promising to become the star of your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method will help tenderize the pork shoulder, making it perfect for carnitas.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to create a spice rub.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the spice rub adhere better and promotes browning during cooking.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder. Make sure to cover all sides for maximum flavor.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a large, oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven. Pour the orange juice over the pork, allowing it to seep into the meat and enhance the flavor.
- Cover the baking dish or Dutch oven tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds apart. Check occasionally to ensure it’s not drying out; if necessary, you can add a bit of water or more orange juice.
- Once the pork is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- After resting, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat or bones if present.
- For added flavor and texture, you can spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until the edges are crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve the oven-baked brown sugar spiced pork carnitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious Mexican feast!
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Always use pork shoulder (also called pork butt) for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Pat the meat dry: This crucial step ensures your spice rub sticks perfectly and helps create those delicious crispy edges.
- Low and slow is the key: The 300°F temperature allows the meat to break down slowly, resulting in incredibly tender carnitas.
- Don't skip the resting period: Letting the meat rest helps redistribute the juices, keeping your carnitas moist and flavorful.
- Optional crispy finish: The broiling step is optional but highly recommended for those who love a bit of textural contrast.
- Customize your spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to match your personal taste preferences.
- Make ahead friendly: These carnitas actually taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
