Crispy Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe Easy Zesty Lime Cilantro Twist
Tender and juicy pulled pork with crispy edges, brightened by fresh lime and cilantro. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or casual gatherings with a quick and easy cooking method.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 8 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour 15 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 35 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (1.4–1.8 kg), well-marbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup orange juice (120 ml)
- Juice from 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional toppings: diced onions, sliced radishes, avocado slices, salsa
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub all over with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden crust forms.
- Place diced onion, minced garlic, and bay leaves in slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour in orange juice and half of the lime juice.
- Set pork on top of onions and juices. For slow cooker: cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until pork pulls apart easily. For Instant Pot: seal lid, cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
- Remove pork from cooker and place on large baking sheet. Shred into bite-sized pieces with two forks or meat claws, discarding large fat chunks and bay leaves.
- Preheat broiler or heat skillet over medium-high heat. Spread shredded pork evenly on baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway, until edges are crispy and caramelized. Alternatively, sauté shredded pork in batches in skillet until golden and crunchy.
- Toss crispy pulled pork with remaining lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve in warm tortillas or bowls with optional toppings like diced onions, radishes, avocado, or salsa.
Notes
Do not skip searing the pork to add flavor. Broil carefully to avoid burning. Use fresh lime juice for best brightness. Shred with forks, not knives, for better texture. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months. Re-crisp before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 ounces (115
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 28
Keywords: pulled pork, carnitas, crispy pork, lime cilantro, slow cooker, Instant Pot, Mexican recipe, easy dinner, taco filling