Introduction:

Chipotle’s famous carnitas are known for their savory flavor, tender texture, and smoky aroma that whets the appetite of many food enthusiasts. Not surprisingly, this delightful dish has earned the love and admiration of fans worldwide. Fortunately, recreating this amazing recipe at home is now easier than ever. This article will guide you through the best copycat Chipotle carnitas recipe to help you revel in the satisfaction of creating a near-perfect replica.

Ingredients:

– 4 lbs pork shoulder

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 4 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 large onion, chopped

– 1 large orange, juiced and zested

– 1 lime, juiced

– 3/4 cup chicken broth

– 2 teaspoons ground cumin

– 2 teaspoons dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder

Cut the pork shoulder into four equal-sized pieces. Trim any excess fat but retain a small amount for added flavor.

Step 2: Season the Pork

In a small bowl, mix the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork pieces.

Step 3: Sear the Pork

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat with olive oil. Add the seasoned pork pieces and sear them on all sides until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Remove the seared pork from the pot and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot used for searing pork, add in chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Next, add in minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, which will add flavor to the carnitas.

Step 6: Slow Cook the Pork

Add the seared pork back into the pot, along with orange zest and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer with the lid on for about 2 hours until the pork is fork-tender.

Step 7: Shred and Crisp Up the Carnitas

Preheat your oven broiler. After the pork has finished cooking, transfer it to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Spread the shredded meat out on a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes until crispy on some edges but still tender.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your homemade Chipotle carnitas in tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls – just like at Chipotle! Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides such as rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese, or sour cream.

Conclusion:

This best copycat Chipotle carnitas recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen. With deep flavors from spices like cumin and oregano combined with citrusy notes from orange and lime juices, this dish is just as amazing as (if not better than) its original counterpart. Now that you have mastered this recipe, enjoy impressing friends and family with your culinary prowess at your next gathering!