Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Carnitas

Carnitas CU

I had seen a slow cooker recipe on Dinners for a Year and Beyond for pork shoulder (or pork butt, same difference) made in the crock pot that sounded oh so good. "I have to remember this" I said to myself. A few days later I got my reminder from the grocery store's sales flyer. Pork Shoulder was on sale for $1 a pound. I ran and bought a nice 6 and half pounder. I trimmed it of any excessive fat then salted it well. Don't be skimpy on the salt. Pack it on good. Then put on my spice rub and let it sit in the fridge for 2 days.

Fast forward a few days later.....pork is ready for cooking. I had every intention of putting it in the crock pot like Amy did, but somehow it never managed to end up there. I got out my dutch oven, threw in a couple of onions, one orange sliced into about 4 big pieces, 4 cloves of garlic and 1 bottle of beer. I set the oven to 325 and let it cook for 5 hours. When I took the cover off the pork was literally falling off the bone. Once it was cool enough, I shredded it and laid it out a big sheet pan. Don't throw out that delicious juice at the bottom of that pot. Use a mesh strainer and get every last drop of those beautiful pork drippings. Pour about a cup over the pork and then put it in a 400 degree oven for about a half hour. Let the pork get nice and crunchy and crispy and beautiful. I love you pork.

Pork pot

I don't know what is was, but this was the best pulled pork I have ever made. I think it might have been the two days sitting in the fridge heavily seasoned, or the addition of the orange, which I have never done before, but will definitely be doing again and again.

We ate ours wrapped in warm tortillas with all our favorite fillings. Top this with whatever you love.

Carnitas right

Here are some serving suggestions:

Shredded lettuce
Spinach
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Black beans
Fresh salsa
Green chilies
Salas verde
Olives
Onions
Avocado
Peppers
sour cream
refried beans
Squeeze of fresh lime juice

18 comments:

Debbie said...

This looks great!! I can't wait to try it.

Bunny said...

Geez this looks good! I've never made a pulled pork recipe like this before! Good one!!

Christine said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I've been lurking on your blog for sometime. Your giveaway gave me a good reason to leave a comment.

My Chloe is a Yorkie-Poo. She is such a sweet baby. Your Moose and Chloe really look alike.

Blessings,
Christine

preTzel said...

Oh my stars! This looks absolutely yummy. I wonder if I can give Mr. the "tools" needed to make this. :D

Unknown said...

Oh yes people of the blog world, this recipe ROCKS!! Once I tried it, I knew that I was going to have to make it and make it I shall! It won't be as good as yours, Ms. Lisa, but I will give it one hell of a shot, yo!

Unknown said...

Oh, an by the way, you were right about using my email account name....go figure. Jeeeesh.

amycaseycooks said...

Oh so glad you liked this recipe. And I am going to give it a try in a dutch oven too.

Your photos are gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

That looks to die fo, Wow. Perfect dinner.

Wendy said...

Those look fantastic Lisa---Your photos just get better and better!!

Blessings-
Wendy

Melissa said...

Easily one of my favorite things to do with pork. It's been far too long. Thanks for the visual reminder. I love you pork hahaha. Yeah!

Lisa said...

Wow! That looks so delicious. I really like pulled pork especially when it is falling apart and hardly needs to be pulled at all. That would make such a great dinner tonight!

katie said...

I can never find pork butt at a good price. Actually it is ahrd for me to even find pork butt half the time, I don't know why. So I neve rget to make carnitas even though they are so delicious. The addition of an orange sounds yummy!

grace said...

gorgeous. carnitas are quite possibly my favorite tortilla filling (topped with some of each of your serving suggestions--i love em all!). your pig looks delicious (and the avocado is particularly fetching too). :)

Kelly B said...

that sounds so good!! I am definitely trying this one.... :)

test it comm said...

Those carnitas look tasty!

Jennifer said...

now I am craving carnitas...bad!!! YUM!!!!

Deborah said...

Oh my goodness, this has me salivating!

Anonymous said...

What is the spice rub you used?