Pork Carnitas ala Tastefully Simple

Abby Klopfenstein (IN)

Hi, Friends!

Today I am excited to share a recipe from Senior Team Manager Abby Klopfenstein (IN). It’s for Pork Carnitas and it sounds divine! I love the addition of the citrus, because it will help tenderize the pork … and isn’t the slow cooker a brilliant summertime kitchen tool? With the current heat wave, let’s give the stove and oven a rest!

Thanks, Abby!

j*a*N*e

Pork Carnitas

• 3 1/2-4 lbs. country-style boneless pork ribs, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 tsp. Seasoned Salt
• 1 tsp. Garlic Pepper Seasoning
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 small onion, peeled and halved
• 1 tsp. Fiesta Party Dip Mix
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium orange, halved (squeeze the juice and use that too)

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker (including the orange and juice). Cover and cook on high for 6-8 hours until the meat easily falls apart. Transfer pork to a bowl using a slotted spoon; remove orange halves and onion and throw away. Pour the broth into a small saucepan and simmer until it is thick and syrupy (about 10 minutes). Break each piece of pork in half; add reduced broth. Season with salt and pepper. Spread pork onto a cooling rack set over a rimmed cookie sheet and place on a lower-middle rack. Broil until top of meat is well browned (not charred) and edges are crisp (about 5 minutes). Turn meat over and broil until browned on the other side.

Testing Notes

• Make sure to scrub your orange clean since it will be sitting in the slow cooker with your food!
• The broiling is what gives the pork a nice crispy grilled taste. It’s a little extra work but it pays off.
• You don’t have to broil for a long time – just turn on the broiler a few minutes before dinner. Plus, your family will think you cooked all day!
• Serve with warm tortillas, Simply Salsa, shredded lettuce, sour cream … whatever you like.

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