What To Know
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.
- Return the shredded pork to the skillet and cook over medium heat until browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
- You can serve carnitas on nachos, in a burrito bowl, or as a main course with rice and beans.
Carnitas, the mouthwatering Mexican dish, can be a time-consuming endeavor to prepare. But fear not, for this comprehensive guide will unravel the secrets of cooking pork carnitas on the stovetop with lightning-fast speed. Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring these tender, flavorful morsels in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder (butt)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle of beer
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas, salsa, and other toppings for serving
Instructions
1. Brown the Pork
- Cut the pork into 1-inch cubes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the pork with salt and pepper.
- Brown the pork on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables and Spices
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Deglaze with Beer
- Pour in the beer and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the beer has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Liquids
- Add the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.
6. Shred the Pork
- Remove the pork from the skillet and shred it with two forks.
7. Return to Skillet
- Return the shredded pork to the skillet and cook over medium heat until browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
Tips for Cooking Fast
- Use a pressure cooker: Cooking carnitas in a pressure cooker can reduce the time by up to 50%.
- Cut the pork into smaller pieces: This will help the pork cook faster.
- Simmer for less time: If you’re short on time, simmer the pork for 30 minutes instead of an hour.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the carnitas in tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro.
- Use the carnitas as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
- Top salads or soups with the carnitas for an extra boost of flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Carnitas: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- Sweet Carnitas: Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the liquids.
- Citrus Carnitas: Use a combination of orange and grapefruit juice instead of just orange juice.
Additional Tips
- Save time by using pre-cut pork.
- Make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for future meals.
- Don’t overcook the pork, as it will become tough.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use pork loin or tenderloin, but it may not be as tender as pork shoulder.
2. How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is done when it is tender and falls apart easily when shredded.
3. Can I cook the carnitas ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the carnitas up to 3 days ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and reheat them before serving.
4. What are some other ways to serve carnitas?
You can serve carnitas on nachos, in a burrito bowl, or as a main course with rice and beans.
5. Can I use other liquids besides beer?
Yes, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water. However, beer adds a unique flavor to the carnitas.
