Lard-Braised Pork Carnitas
Lard-Braised Pork Carnitas deliver tender, richly seasoned pork with crisp, caramelized edges and a subtle citrus note from orange. Slow-fried in manteca with bay leaf, onion, and garlic, each bite balances succulent meat and aromatic depth. Serve for gatherings in tacos, tortas, or platters with warm tortillas and fresh salsas.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook1 hr
- Serves20
- DifficultyMedium
- 1
Warm the lard in a deep roasting pan over medium heat. Add the pork, bay leaves, salt, pepper, onions, and garlic, and stir. Squeeze the orange into the mixture and place the orange halves in as well. Add more lard if needed to fully cover the ingredients.
- 2
Cook until the pork is tender enough to shred with a fork, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove and discard the orange, onion, and garlic; lift the pork cubes out of the lard with a slotted spoon.
- Calories 235.07 kcal Moderate
- Protein 24.02 g Good Source
- Carbs 5.53 g Moderate
- Total Fat 12.49 g Moderate
- Saturated Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Cholesterol 0.0 mg Low Source
- Sodium 92.06 mg Low Source
- Fiber 0.53 g Low Source
- Sugar 1.36 g Low Source
- Added Sugar 0.0 g Low Source
- Calcium 72.86 mg Low Source
- Iron 0.07 mg Low Source
- Potassium 38.06 mg Low Source
- Vitamin A 2.38 mcg_rae Low Source
- Vitamin C 11.33 mg Moderate
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Citrus 🍊
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅