Jul 14 2026

Pork Carnitas Recipe

Time4h 30m
Serves8

braised and pulled with Mexican crema

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Meat

Mexican Crema

Serve with

Method

Prepare the Pork

  1. 1

    Season the Pork

    In a large bowl, season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. Rub the spices into the meat thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Sear the Meat

    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove the pork and set aside.

  3. 3

    Prepare Aromatics

    In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

  4. 4

    Add Liquid Ingredients

    Pour in the orange juice and lime juice, stirring to combine. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.

  5. 5

    Add Pork Back

    Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot. Add bay leaves and ensure the pork is submerged in liquid.

  6. 6

    Braise the Pork

    Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.

Make Mexican Crema

  1. 7

    Combine Ingredients

    In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, heavy cream, lime juice, and salt until smooth and well combined.

Shred and Serve

  1. 8

    Shred the Pork

    Once the pork is done braising, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

  2. 9

    Serve

    Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet. Serve the shredded pork topped with Mexican crema, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges on the side.

More from Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill