Roasted Pork Carnitas

When I was on a recent girl friend trip to San Clemente, Ca., we were recommended an eating establishment called "Nick Around the Corner."  The person recommending was the gal that owns the Schmidt's Chocolate Company there and she said, "You can trust a girl who owns a chocolate company!" and we could!  She recommended the guacamole, the shrimp taquitos and the pork carnitas.  We ordered all 3 and shared.  The next day we went back for more.

I never knew I was a Pork Carnitas lover.  Now, it is all I can think about!  Right now I have this recipe slow cooking in a brand new dutch oven.....and so I will share how it was after the taste test. (it was marvelous!!!  I left it in big chunks instead of shredding it which is how they serve it at Nick's.)   I pinned several good looking recipes on Pinterest but this particular recipe called for Coco Cola which I remember was in the menu description. 

 

 

 

 

My Favorite Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes

from: halfbakedharvest.com

Ingredients

• 3 pounds pork shoulder cut into 3 inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
• kosher salt and pepper
• 1 cup Coca-Cola beer or low sodium chicken broth can also be used
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 leaves bay
• juice from 2 limes
• cilantro for serving

Instructions

Classic Slow Roasted On the Stove

1. Toss the cubed pork with the garlic powder and chipotle chili powder. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the pork on all sides. If needed, sear the pork in batches if your dutch oven is not large enough. Reduce the heat low and pour in the coke, orange juice and 1/2 cup water (there should be just enough liquid to cover the sides of the meat). Add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours on LOW. After 1 1/2 hours the pork should be falling apart. Remove the lid and continue cooking another 30 minutes. The Coca-Cola will caramelize and the liquid will evaporate almost completely.
3. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred. Drizzle the carnitas with lime juice. Serve with warm tortillas, avocado and cheese. EAT!

Crockpot

1. Toss the cubed pork with the garlic powder and chipotle chili powder. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the pork on all sides. If needed, sear the pork in batches if your dutch oven is not large enough. Transfer the pork to the bowl of your crockpot. Add the coke, orange juice, 1/2 cup water and the bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. During the last hour, remove the lid and allow the liquid to evaporate almost completely.
3. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred. Serve with warm tortillas, avocado and cheese. EAT!