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What Are Carnitas?

Last Update: January 30, 2025

This article was written with help from AI and edited by Thrive Market’s talented team of human writers.

Carnitas, which translates to “little meats” in Spanish, is a beloved dish from Mexican cuisine that holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers. Known for its tender, juicy texture and rich, savory flavor, carnitas are a culinary staple with universal appeal.

What Are Carnitas?

Carnitas hail from the Mexican state of Michoacán, where they’ve been traditionally prepared since the 1500s when the Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, conquered the Aztec empire and celebrated by cooking a pig brought from Cuba.

How Are Carnitas Made?

The preparation of carnitas is an art form, requiring patience and attention to detail. Traditionally, carnitas are made from pork, specifically fatty cuts like pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt). The fat content is key, as it keeps the meat moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

The pork is typically braised or simmered in lard for several hours, and seasonings range from savory (like garlic and oregano) to sweet (like orange juice) to enhance the flavor. As the meat cooks, it becomes incredibly tender and can be shredded easily. Toward the end of the cooking process, the heat is often increased to allow the meat to crisp up slightly, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy edges and the juicy interior.

How to Serve Carnitas

Carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. Common ways to enjoy carnitas include:

  • Tacos: Piled into soft corn or flour tortillas and topped with onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
  • Burritos: Wrapped in a large tortilla with beans, rice, cheese, and other fillings.
  • Tostadas: Spread over a crispy tortilla shell and garnished with toppings like guacamole, crema, and pickled vegetables.
  • Quesadillas: Sandwiched between tortillas with melted cheese.

Some people enjoy carnitas on their own as a main dish, accompanied by rice, beans, and a fresh salad.

Why Are Carnitas So Popular?

The popularity of carnitas stems from their incredible flavor, versatility, and the communal aspect of their preparation. The slow-cooking process often brings people together, whether it’s a family gathering or a festive celebration. Carnitas are a common choice for gatherings because they can be prepared in large quantities and customized to suit various tastes.

What’s the Difference Between Tacos and Carnitas? 

Tacos and carnitas differ in their roles within Mexican cuisine. A taco is a versatile dish made by folding or rolling a tortilla around a filling, which can include a wide variety of ingredients like meat, beans, cheese, vegetables, or seafood, often topped with condiments such as salsa, cilantro, onions, and lime. Carnitas, on the other hand, refers specifically to a type of pork preparation, where the meat is slow-cooked in its own fat with seasonings like citrus, garlic, and spices, resulting in tender, flavorful, and slightly crispy meat. While carnitas can be enjoyed on their own or in other dishes like burritos or enchiladas, they are also a popular filling for tacos, creating what’s known as a carnitas taco.

How to Make Carnitas – 10 Tips for Tender, Flavorful Meat

Cooking carnitas requires a combination of patience, technique, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve tender, flavorful, and crispy carnitas:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat

  • Use a pork shoulder (pork butt) for the best results. Its marbled fat ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
  • If you prefer leaner meat, you can mix pork shoulder with another cut like pork loin, but expect a slightly less rich texture.

2. Render Fat for Maximum Flavor

  • Traditional carnitas are cooked in lard, which gives the meat its signature richness. If you prefer a lighter option, you use a mix of lard and oil or substitute with chicken stock and add some fat (like butter or oil) for a similar effect.

3. Use Citrus for Brightness

  • Add orange juice and/or lime juice to the cooking liquid for a fresh, tangy flavor. The acidity helps tenderize the meat and balances the richness of the fat.

4. Don’t Skip the Seasoning

  • A good seasoning mix is key to flavor. We cover this more in an upcoming section, but common spices include garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, paprika, and black pepper. Add salt generously at the start and adjust toward the end of cooking.
  • Consider adding a touch of cinnamon or cloves for depth, though this is optional.

5. Cook Low and Slow

  • Whether you’re using a stovetop, oven, or slow cooker, cooking at a low temperature for several hours is essential for breaking down the connective tissues and achieving melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
  • Plan for at least 3-4 hours for stovetop or oven methods and 6-8 hours in a slow cooker.

6. Add a Crispy Finish

  • The signature crispy edges of carnitas are achieved by cooking the shredded meat over high heat after it’s tender.
  • You can crisp it up:
    • In the oven: Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes until crispy.
    • On the stovetop: Heat a large skillet or griddle, add the shredded pork, and let it sear without stirring too much.
  • Drizzle some of the reserved cooking juices or lard over the meat before crisping to keep it moist and flavorful.

7. Don’t Rush the Process

  • Carnitas are a labor of love. Avoid cutting corners by trying to cook them quickly; the slow cooking is what makes them so delicious.

8. Use the Right Equipment

  • For stovetop cooking, use a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven to distribute heat evenly.
  • A slow cooker or instant pot can simplify the process and still yield excellent results.

9. Save the Cooking Liquid

  • The cooking liquid is packed with flavor! Use it to drizzle over the carnitas before serving or to moisten the meat during storage and reheating.

10. Make It Your Own

  • Experiment with additional ingredients like onions, jalapeños, or beer in the cooking liquid for a personal twist.

Best Seasonings for Carnitas

Seasonings are crucial for giving carnitas their signature flavor. While recipes may vary by region and personal preference, here are the most popular seasonings and flavorings used in traditional and modern carnitas recipes:

  • Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the pork. Generous seasoning is key to enhancing every bite.
  • Garlic: Often used in fresh, minced, or powdered form, garlic adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Cumin: A common spice in Mexican cuisine, cumin provides a warm, earthy undertone.
  • Oregano: Mexican oregano is preferred for its citrusy and slightly floral flavor, but Mediterranean oregano works as a substitute.
  • Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle, herbaceous aroma that complements the richness of the pork.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the flavor profile.

Optional Additions for Depth

  • Paprika: Smoked paprika can add a subtle smokiness to the carnitas.
  • Cinnamon: Just a pinch enhances the warmth of the dish without overpowering it.
  • Cloves: A small amount can provide a slightly sweet, aromatic depth.
  • Chili Powder or Ancho Chili Powder: For a mild heat and rich, smoky flavor.

Citrus and Aromatics

  • Orange Juice or Orange Zest: Adds brightness, natural sweetness, and acidity to balance the rich pork.
  • Lime Juice: Provides a tangy contrast that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Onions: Often added to the cooking liquid for additional sweetness and depth.
  • Jalapeños or Serranos: Used sparingly to introduce mild heat and complexity.

Pre-Made Seasoning Blends

These seasonings, combined with the slow-cooking process, result in the irresistible flavor and aroma that make carnitas so popular. Whether you stick to the basics or experiment with additional spices, the right combination will elevate your dish to perfection.

Best Carnitas Recipes

Both of these dishes can be made ahead so dinner’s done early on busier nights. 

Keto & Whole30-Compliant Carnitas Recipe

Make this recipe in the Instant Pot or slow cooker for a weeknight meal you don’t have to fuss with. 

Leftover Turkey Carnitas Tacos Recipe

When you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal, turn it into Mexican-inspired carnitas for a dinner the whole family will love. 

This article is related to:

Dinner Recipes, Lunch Recipes

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