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The BEST Pork Carnitas

The BEST Beef Carnitas

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  • Author: Penelope Hartwell
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 hours
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

Indulge in the savory delight of The BEST beef Carnitas, a dish that combines juicy, slow-cooked beef with a tantalizing blend of citrus and spices. This recipe is perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or simply enjoyed on its own. With a hint of sweetness from orange and pineapple juices and the warmth of aromatic spices, these carnitas are sure to impress at any gathering. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and crisped up just before serving for that irresistible texture. Discover how easy it is to create this flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups orange juice
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (or lemon juice)
  • 20 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 3–4 lb beef butt or shoulder
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried orange peel
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried orange peel
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (for final touches)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • canola oil (for final crisping)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine orange juice, pineapple juice, garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, kosher salt, cumin, oregano, orange peel, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
  2. Place the beef in a slow cooker or Dutch oven and cover it fully with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  3. Cook on low in the slow cooker for about 10-12 hours or in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) until fork-tender.
  4. Shred the beef with two forks. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and crisp up the shredded meat until golden brown on all sides.
  5. Serve in tacos with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/16 of recipe (approximately 2 oz)
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 682mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 59mg

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Find it online: https://sweetforkfood.com/the-best-beef-carnitas/