Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMezcaleria AlmaCarnitas Recipe

Carnitas Recipe

Inspired by Mezcaleria Alma
Time8h
Serves6

Slow-cooked pork served with rice and beans

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

Rice and Beans

Method

Preparing the Carnitas

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pork

    Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks.

  2. 2

    Season the Pork

    In a large bowl, combine cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork pieces.

  3. 3

    Prepare Vegetables

    Chop the onion into quarters and crush the garlic cloves.

  4. 4

    Slow Cook the Pork

    Place the pork pieces in a slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, bay leaves, orange juice, and lime juice. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily pulled apart.

  5. 5

    Shred the Pork

    Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.

  6. 6

    Crisp the Pork (Optional)

    For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Preparing the Rice and Beans

  1. 7

    Cook the Rice

    Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

  2. 8

    Prepare the Beans

    In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add black beans (drained and rinsed) and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

  3. 9

    Serve

    Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro. Serve the carnitas alongside the rice and beans.

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