Carnitas (Mexican Slow-Cooked Pork)
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Carnitas is a beloved Mexican dish featuring pork that is slow-cooked or braised in its own fat until incredibly tender and juicy, often with a crispy exterior. Originating from the state of Michoacán, it's typically made with pork shoulder (or butt) and seasoned simply with ingredients like onion, garlic, oregano, and sometimes citrus like orange or lime.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Carnitas is a high-protein, high-fat dish with minimal carbohydrates, making it a keto-friendly option. A typical 4-ounce serving provides around 250-300 calories, along with significant amounts of B vitamins, zinc, and iron from the pork.
💡 What's interesting
Carnitas is culturally unique because it was originally a way to preserve pork by cooking it in large copper pots ('cazos') of lard, a technique that both preserved the meat and created its signature texture. Nutritionally, the slow-cooking process in fat renders much of the collagen into gelatin, making it easier to digest while keeping the meat moist.