Name: Mexican Pulled Pork Carnitas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Whole30
Ingredients: 3 lbs pork butt, trimmed of fat, cut into 2 inch sections; 6 garlic cloves,; 2 tsp oregano; 2 tsp coriander; 2 tsp cumin; 4 tsp salt; 1 clementine

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Mexican Pulled Pork Carnita recipe is not only Whole30, Paleo and Keto-friendly but also simple and delicious. By combining pork with some simple spices and cooking it in an Instant Pot, Slow Cooker or in the oven, these pork carnitas make the perfect meal. Serve them with tortillas or pile them on top of a salad, this Mexican Pulled Pork Carnitas makes the perfect easy, healthy and tasty meal.

Truth be told, I have never made Pork Carnitas.

For whatever reason, Mexican food was not on our family rotation when it came to dinner.

With that being said, I knew that if I wanted to create a Mexican Pulled Pork recipe, I would have to first get a little more educated.

What is Pork Carnita?

According to Wikipedia, Carnitas, literally meaning "little meats". This Mexican cuisine originated in the state of Michoacán.

Carnitas are made by braising or simmering pork in oil or preferably lard until tender.

The process takes three to four hours, and the result is very tender and juicy meat, which is then typically served with chopped coriander leaves (cilantro), diced onion, salsa, guacamole, tortillas, and refried beans (frijoles refritos)

What flavours are used to make Mexican Pulled Pork Carnitas?

salt
chili
cumin
coriander/cilantro
Mexican oregano
garlic
orange

What is the difference between Cilantro and Coriander?

According to Healthyline, cilantro and coriander come from the plant species — Coriandrum sativum (1Trusted Source).

However, they are named differently in different parts of the world.

In North America, cilantro refers to the leaves and stalks of the plant. The word “cilantro” is the Spanish name for coriander leaves. Meanwhile, the dried seeds of the plant are called coriander.

Internationally, it’s a different story. Coriander is the name for the leaves and stalks of the plant, while the dried seeds are called coriander seeds.

As for taste, Cilantro has a more citrus flavour. For some, however, cilantro can have a horrible taste due to a genetic trait.

As for coriander, most people that can not stand cilantro are fine with eating coriander. Coriander has a more warm, spicy and nutty flavour.

What ingredient do you need to make these Mexican Pulled Pork Carnitas?

pork butt or shoulder
oil (either olive oil, avocado oil or lard)
clementine orange (or regular orange, orange juice or omit completely)
salt, cumin, coriander, garlic and chili spices (I did not have any Mexican Oregano but if you do, feel free to add it to the spice mix)

How do you make this Whole30 and Paleo Mexican Pulled Pork Carnita recipe?

In an Instant Pot

Set an Instant Pot to the high saute setting (I have the Ninja Foodie and I love it!)
Heat olive oil
Working in two batches, add pork and cook until evenly browned about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in crushed clementine, lime juice, garlic, oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
Select manual setting; adjust the pressure to high, and set the timer for 30 minutes.
When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Remove pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and shred the meat using two forks
Season with salt and pepper, to taste if needed.

In a slow cooker

Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker
Set on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours
When finished cooking, remove pork and shred.
Season with salt and pepper to taste

In the oven

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat oil.
Working in batches, add pork and sear on all sides.
Add all ingredients to the Dutch oven and cover with a lid.
Transfer to oven and cook until pork is beginning to turn tender about 2½ to 3 hours.
Remove lid and cook until pork is very tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.

How can you get the pork to become nice and crispy?

I tried two different methods to see which way was the best:

On the stovetop -

add a little oil to a skillet and pressed the pulled pork meat firmly into the base of the pan
do not turn the meat for 5-7 minutes
turn the meat over and press it down firmly, once again
leave the meat another 5 minutes
remove meat and serve

Roasting it in the oven -

place pulled pork in an even layer on a rimmed baking dish
arrange oven rack to the second-highest level (about 3-5 inches from the top heat source)
place baking dish on the oven rack
turn the broiler on "hi"
broil for 5-7 minutes keeping a close eye on the meat
carefully remove the baking dish (it will be VERY hot), turn the meat and return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes.

How do you serve these Keto Mexican Pulled Pork Carnitas?

on a bed of salad with chopped onion and salsa as the salad dressing
with a side of Mexican rice
over a baked potato
with corn tortillas or flour tortillas
as nachos using my 3-Ingredient Whole30/Paleo Lime Tortilla Chips

If you like this Mexican Pulled Pork Carnita recipe, you may also enjoy:

Mexican Pulled Pork Carnitas

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

3 lbs pork butt, trimmed of fat, cut into 2 inch sections
6 garlic cloves,
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp coriander
2 tsp cumin
4 tsp salt
1 clementine

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark