Can You Make Carnitas with Pork Loin? Yes, and Here’s How

Carnitas, a beloved Mexican dish, is traditionally made with pork shoulder or pork butt. However, pork loin, a leaner cut of meat, can also be used to create tender and flavorful carnitas. This guide will provide you with comprehensive instructions and tips on how to make carnitas with pork loin, ensuring a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork loin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• 1/2 of one onion, chopped (approximately 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium jalapeño, stem removed, chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (juice from 1 medium lime)
• 4-5 tablespoons fresh navel orange juice (juice from 1 medium navel orange)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carnitas Rub: In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, ground cumin, and avocado oil or olive oil. Whisk or stir the ingredients together until well combined.

2. Season the Pork Loin: Place the pork loin on a cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels on all sides. Coat the pork loin in the carnitas rub, gently massaging the spice rub into the meat until fully coated on all sides.

3. Slow Cook the Pork: Place the seasoned pork loin in a slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, salt, fresh lime juice, and fresh navel orange juice to the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours, or LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Check the pork occasionally – when fully cooked, the internal temperature will read 145° Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer and the meat will be easy to separate with a fork.

4. Shred the Pork: When the pork is ready, carefully shred the tenderloin in the slow cooker using two forks. Alternatively, remove the meat from the slow cooker and shred it on a cutting board, but do not discard any juices.

5. Sear the Carnitas (Optional): If serving the carnitas immediately, continue to the next step. If not serving immediately, transfer the shredded pork and juices to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then, continue with the next step.

6. Heat the Skillet: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is warm, add a drizzle of avocado oil and continue heating the skillet until the oil is hot and shimmering.

7. Sear the Pork: Add just enough shredded pork to cover the bottom of the skillet without crowding. Ladle a small amount of carnitas juice over the meat in the skillet and cook until the liquid has evaporated and the bottom of the meat is browned and crispy. Flip the meat over and briefly cook the other side until lightly browned. Transfer the seared carnitas to a large bowl. Repeat this process with any remaining carnitas.

8. Serve the Carnitas: Once all the carnitas have been seared and transferred to a bowl, drizzle a small amount of carnitas juice over the meat and serve immediately as desired.

Tips for Making Carnitas with Pork Loin:

• Pork: It’s important to use only 2 pounds of pork as directed, unless you also increase the amounts of the other ingredients. If you use more than 2 pounds without adjusting the rest of the ingredients, you will not have enough liquid. Use the servings calculator in the recipe card above to adjust the quantities as needed based on the weight of the pork you’re using.
• Jalapeño: For more heat, don’t remove the seeds from the jalapeño when you chop it.
• Searing Carnitas: Wait to sear the carnitas until you’re ready to serve it. Until then, just refrigerate it in an airtight container with juices drizzled on top.

Serving Suggestions:

Carnitas made with pork loin is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with shredded carnitas, your favorite toppings, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Quesadillas: Layer shredded carnitas, cheese, and your favorite toppings between two tortillas and grill or pan-fry until golden brown and crispy.
• Nachos: Top tortilla chips with shredded carnitas, cheese, beans, and your favorite nacho toppings.
• Salads: Add shredded carnitas to your favorite salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
• Chilaquiles: Combine shredded carnitas with fried tortilla strips, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch.
• Burritos: Fill large tortillas with shredded carnitas, rice, beans, and your favorite burrito toppings.
• On its Own: Enjoy shredded carnitas on its own or with a side of cilantro lime rice.

Making carnitas with pork loin is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish. By following the instructions and tips outlined in this guide, you can create tender, juicy, and crispy carnitas that will impress your family and friends. Whether you serve it in tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, chilaquiles, burritos, or on its own, carnitas made with pork loin is a versatile and delicious meal that is sure to satisfy.