Juicy Flavorful Carnitas No Lard

Transform your taco nights with this irresistible recipe for **Juicy, Flavorful Carnitas (No Lard)**, a lighter yet equally mouthwatering take on the classic Mexican dish. Made with tender pork shoulder simmered to perfection in a zesty blend of freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, low-sodium chicken broth, and aromatic spices like cumin and oregano, this recipe guarantees maximum flavor with no lard required. The finishing touch—a quick broil—creates those signature crispy edges, while keeping the pork juicy and succulent. Perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or salads, this wholesome yet indulgent dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Plus, with all-natural ingredients and simple steps, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 2-inch chunks)
• 1 cup Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 0.25 cup Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup Chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 piece Onion (large, quartered)
• 2 pieces Bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the pork chunks in batches, searing them on all sides until golden brown. Remove the pork and set it aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Return the pork to the pot and add the orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, quartered onion, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally, ensuring the liquid doesn’t completely evaporate. If needed, add a small amount of water to maintain some moisture.

Step 6

Once the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork, remove the bay leaves and discard them.

Step 7

Transfer the pork to a baking sheet and shred it with two forks, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to broil. Drizzle the shredded pork with a small amount of the cooking liquid to keep it moist, then broil the pork for 5-7 minutes or until the edges are crispy.

Step 9

Serve immediately with tortillas, rice, or as a topping for salads and bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2107.8 grams (2107.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3894

Total Fat 302.40g	388%
Saturated Fat 100.00g	500%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 953mg	318%
Sodium 5697mg	248%
Total Carbohydrate 54.70g	20%
Dietary Fiber 5.80g	21%
Total Sugars 28.40g
Protein 251.90g	504%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 287mg	22%
Iron 16mg	88%
Potassium 4693mg	100%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.9%

Protein: 25.5%

Carbs: 5.5%