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Guys, we have serious, serious things to chat about today.
Number one is obviously these carnitas. These extra special, super delicious slow roasted pork carnitas.
And two? Well two is about whatโs been on my mind recently. Letโs start with two, and then weโll move on to the carnitas. Promise, I will try not to write a novelโฆ
So lately Iโve been I wanting to do more with the blog. I need a little more of a challenge, something new, something different, and I feel like the blog needs a little update.ย Iโd like you to let me know what youโd likeย to see more of onย HBH. Is it super easy recipes? More quick how-to videos? Longer videosโฆ where I talk and talk and talk? Do you like hearing all about my life and whatโs happening behind the scenes? Or would you prefer for me to simply stick to content? How about some lifestyle posts? Would you be into fashion inspired posts? If so, what areas? I really want to know what youโd love toย see me share? I want to go there, to add something new and fun and fresh and different! So pleaseโฆ give me your thoughts, ideas, commentsโฆ I want to hear them all!
PS. the fashion thing?? Anyone? You know my whole life I thought I was going to work in the fashion industry, but then my move to LA happened and I kind of freaked, and then this blog happened. Now I only buy dishes and surfaces, and only wear Lululemon tights and sweatshirts smeared with chocolate all day longโฆI wouldnโt mind bringing a little fashion back into my world. Would you guys be into it? My favorite trends? My wish list? Maybe some go-to working girl outfits? Maybe only as a monthly thing, or maybe more? Thoughts?!?!
PSS. What about entertaining posts!?! Iโm really into these. Like dinner parties, summer get-togethers, cocktailsโฆ Would you be interested in seeing more of these types of posts?
OKok, and now letโs chat carnitas!!!
The pork gets slow cooked for two to three hours and when itโs finished, it literally just falls apart. The shredded meat makes for the most epic round of tacos, complete with all the toppings. The meat just melts in your mouth and the flavor is insane.
Like nothing better.
Also, while this meat is great for tacos, itโs also great for burrito bowls, nachos, pizza,ย quesadillas, sandwiches, extโฆthe options here are endless. With this carnita recipe, you really can do no wrong! ๐
The one must? A side of guacamole and chips.
My Favorite Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 3 inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 cup Mexican beer or low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 leaves bay
- juice from 2 limes
- cilantro, for serving
Instructions
Classic Slow Roasted On the Stove
- Toss the cubed pork with the garlic powder and chipotle chili powder. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the pork on all sides. If needed, sear the pork in batches if your dutch oven is not large enough. Reduce the heat low and pour in the beer, orange juice and 1/2 cup water (there should be just enough liquid to cover the sides of the meat). Add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours on LOW. After 1 1/2 hours the pork should be falling apart. Remove the lid and continue cooking another 30 minutes. The Coca-Cola will caramelize and the liquid will evaporate almost completely.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred. Drizzle the carnitas with lime juice. Serve with warm tortillas, avocado and cheese. EAT!
Crockpot
- Toss the cubed pork with the garlic powder and chipotle chili powder. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the pork on all sides. If needed, sear the pork in batches if your dutch oven is not large enough. Transfer the pork to the bowl of your crockpot. Add the beer, orange juice, 1/2 cup water and the bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. During the last hour, remove the lid and allow the liquid to evaporate almost completely.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred. Serve with warm tortillas, avocado and cheese. EAT!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
I mean, obviously.ย ???
Please explain this for everyone:
After 1 1/2 hours the pork should be falling apart. Remove the lid and continue cooking another 30 minutes. The Coca-Cola will caramelize and the liquid will evaporate almost completely.
Hey Mona, I am sorry what do you need me to clarify? The meat liquid around the meat will thicken up over time with the lid off.
Let me know how I can better help you!! So sorry for any trouble! xT
there is a mention of Coca Cola in the stovetop recipe?
You can ignore that:)
Can this be made in an insta pot?
Hi Rachel,
Sure, I would do at least 60 minutes on high pressure. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xx
Where is your recipe for pork carnitas where you shred pork and put in oven to crisp. It was your best pork carnitas recipe! I wanted to make this weekend!
Hey Barbara,
Is this the recipe you were thinking of?
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/crispy-carnitas-tacos/#wprm-recipe-container-161104
If not, let me know:) Happy Friday! xT
The stovetop instructions mention a coke but I donโt see that in the ingredients. Should I be adding that?
Hi Michelle,
So sorry for any confusion, you can ignore the coke and follow the recipe as written:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
The original recipe did, in fact, include a cup of coca cola (or beer). That’s the recipe I copied back in 2021 when I first found it. The coke does caramelize, and it’s great! I don’t know why you removed it. Too sweet for some? Not me!!
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback, Pam! If you still want to add the cocoa cola you totally can! xx
Going to make this but when do you put in the coke?!!โ Do you use this instead of Mexican beer/broth?
Hey guys. I have this recipe printed some where and canโt find it. I swear the one I have says use Mexican coke and fresh juice from 2 orangesโฆor maybe thatโs just what I decided to do? Can anyone help me please? Confused and would love to make this again! Thanks!
Was the recipe changed?? I also thought the pork shoulder went in whole? Like I said, confused! Help!!
Yes Iโd also love more info on the Coca Cola! Thank you!!!
Hey! This sounds amazing! In your method, it say that the Coca-Cola will caramelize, but I don’t see it listed on the ingredients or where it’s added. Thanks!
Yes I second the question with the Coca Cola! Thanks so much!
Can this recipe be made with pork tenderloin instead of the shoulder? Looks delicious!
Hi there! I haven’t ever tried that before! So sorry!
Omg your flavors are incredible.,, Iโve been so bored with my meals and with a few simple ingredients you make yawn a yum! Have shared your site with so many friends and have bought your cookbooks for myself and others, so appreciate the inspiration ! I now keep my pantry and herbs stocked for your recipes
Thank you Margot! So glad you enjoyed this recipe! xT
Hi, when does the lime come in? ๐
Hi Caro,
You are going to use the lime juice in step 3. I hope you love this recipe! xx