CARNITAS

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Carnitas image

This is an easy version of carnitas. Purists would say it is not authentic because it is not cooked/boiled in lard. I love lard too, but I feel less guilty eating this version and it tastes great too! From Williams Sonoma- Mexican

Provided by cookiedog

Categories     Pork

Time 1h42m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 lbs boneless pork shoulder or 3 lbs country-style pork ribs
6 garlic cloves, halved
1 orange, zest of (cut into wide strips using a vegetable peeler-if orange is not organic, make sure to scrub off the t)
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
sea salt
1 tablespoon canola oil (optional) or 1 tablespoon safflower oil (optional)
12 corn or 12 flour tortillas, warmed
guacamole
salsa fresca
refried beans

Steps:

  • Cut off any big pieces of fat from the pork and put them into a wide, heavy saucepan or frying pan. Cut the pork into strips about 1 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Add the pork to the pan with the garlic, orange zest, orange juice, and 2 teaspoons sea salt. The meat should be in a single layer, if possible. Add water to barely cover the meat and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover partially, and cook, stirring occasionally, until all of the liquid has evaporated, about 1 hour. If the meat is not yet fork tender, add a bit more water and continue cooking.
  • Uncover the pan and continue cooking the pork until all the fat is rendered and the meat is browning in the melted fat, 10-15 mintues longer. There is usually enough melted fat in the pan, but if necessary, add the 1 tablespoon oil. When the meat is brown and crisp, using a slotted spoon, transfer it to a colander and let any excess fat drain away.
  • Immediately transfer the pork to a warmed serving bowl. Accompany with the warm tortillas to make tacos: slather each tortilla with the guacamole and the salsa. Serve with the refried beans and or rice on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 592.7, Fat 45.9, SaturatedFat 15.9, Cholesterol 161.2, Sodium 155.2, Carbohydrate 4.2, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 2.6, Protein 38.3

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