Carnitas for Tacos - 1 Easy Step, No Frying | Christine Cushing

I show you my own method for making melt-in-your-mouth carnitas, all in one step. We start with the many details of preparing the pork and adding cinnamon, cloves, oregano and kumquats. It's all slowly braised for perfectly tender pork with crispy edges, without the need for frying or broiling. These carnitas are the filling for a do it yourself taco station. FULL RECIPE BELOW.
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RECIPE: PORK CARNITAS FOR TACOS
With my 1 step method you don’t need to fry or brown the meat in a broiler to get the beautiful crispy edges.
3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2 “ cubes (1350 gm )
salt and whole peppercorns to taste
1 small ancho chile, soaked and finely chopped
½ tsp. cumin, toasted and ground (2.5 ml)
1 tsp. dried oregano (5 ml)
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 onion quartered
2 cups chicken stock (500 ml)
5 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
5 kumquats, quartered or 1 large juice orange cut into 8 wedges
flour or corn tortillas
Garnish
fresh limes
pico de gallo
guacamole
fresh coriander
Preheat oven to 350 F still or 325 F convection
In a 13x10 roasting pan or round braising pot with lid, toss pork in salt and pepper and sprinkle with spices, onions, garlic, kumquats and pour in the chicken stock . Liquid should not completely cover meat. Cover meat and braise pork in oven at 350 F for 2 ½ to 3 hours total, removing lid or foil after 2 hours , until very tender, turning over with tongs several times to ensure even flavouring. Corners of meat should be exposes and crisp bits will develop. You are looking for a very tender centre with crispy edges.
When ready to serve, remove pork from juices and full apart gently with fork or slice with knife. If using Kumquats, chop some of them with meat.
Serve on tortillas with garnishes.
Serves 6-8
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#carnitas #tacos

[@N0TThatCrazy]

Just made these yesterday!! WOW!!! The aroma while these cooked was incredible and the flavor of the tacos was amazing. Seriously some of the best I've ever had. I could not find kumquats so I quartered a large orange instead. At the end I pulled some of the flesh from the orange pieces and chopped it into the pork. Can't wait to make these again!

[@maryannedeering1663]

Love how this looked after it came from the oven, myyyyy goodness❤️

[@ChristineCushing]

MaryAnne Deering thank you. It’s tastes even better than it looks. Stay safe

[@eddy71454]

I love these with homemade roasted salsa or green chile salsa. Carnitas are the best - and hard to mess up.

[@ToddHowardWithAGun]

Amazingly straightforward recipe that looks delicious.

[@lisacates6306]

I watched this yesterday and made this today. Spot on. I enjoy watching you cook so much.

[@boriqua5109]

You’re amazing! Can’t wait to try cooking them this way.

[@ChristineCushing]

boriqua510 they are insanely delicious. Thank you

[@chucktaylor4958]

Just lovely.

[@jojofixer]

I made this in a 12" cast iron skillet and foil. Worked great!

[@ChristineCushing]

That is great to hear! We absolutely loved it . Thanks for watching

[@abraham5233]

I have used this method 12 plus times and with excellent results each time.With pork shoulder being budget friendly a big help.Thanks so much!

[@ChristineCushing]

You are most welcome ! So glad because we love it here in our house. 👏👏

[@Robert8455]

Looks delicious!

[@jesuslovesyou919]

Fabulous technique 👍

[@lakelandonna]

THANKS FOR THIS HEALTHY RECIPE

[@Miiii72]

Perfect recipe

[@joanrath126]

Looks amazing.so easy

[@ChristineCushing]

Joan Rath it is so easy and crazy good. Thank you !

[@ron2368]

I checked out carnitas recipes and this was the least complicated. Made it yesterday with excellent results. That last 90 minutes uncovered browned the pork nicely.

[@ChristineCushing]

Great to hear!😊

[@Documentarydive695]

One of my favourites dishes

[@herberttamayo5225]

This lady is amazing!!!! She has inspired me to cook ....Thank you Christine

[@ChristineCushing]

My pleasure. I hope you try them.

[@vandita777]

Made it today. Turned out amazing. Thank you. So easy so delicious

[@ChristineCushing]

Many thanks. ! I love that you loved it also.

[@konstantine1211]

Thank you Christine, I can't wait to make this.

[@ChristineCushing]

Hope you like it!

[@magnustorque5528]

Just love Christine. That Carnitas recipe is stellar!

[@jeanb.7963]

Looks delicious I can’t wait to try your recipe!

[@ChristineCushing]

Please do and let me know how you like it. Thanks for watching

[@stevenspilsbury9801]

Looks amazing, definitely going to try

[@Koryuchi]

I made this recipe so many times over the past 3 years. Always a big success.

[@ChristineCushing]

That is sooo great to hear. We also love it in my house

[@ma7673]

Very cool! Can’t wait to try later!

[@deathphantom8738]

Oh my that looks divine

[@anitadeclerck6000]

The meat is to die for! I'll take just the meat, thank you very much! We have a very fruitful kumquat tree on our front patio and we use it in our food. The sweetness is in the skin.

[@ChristineCushing]

That is so cool that you have a kumquat tree! You can't imagine what a great addition to this recipe that bitter/ sweet combo is .

[@susanadair3360]

Love it!

[@Michaeltungyung]

Thank You Christine! Made this yesterday for the a Mexican Fiesta at my house and it was by far the biggest hit. For anyone trying to make this... Just trust that it will all come together after you lift the lid for the second half in the oven... :)

[@ChristineCushing]

Sooo amazing ! It is a fiesta in a pot for sure. Thank you for sharing

[@truthseerum]

Beautiful!

[@vilhelmhammershoi3871]

Brilliant! All your videos are beautiful! Your enthusiasm conveys the flavours forth wonderfully! Can't wait to try your recipes out, Christine!

[@ChristineCushing]

vilhelm hammershoi thanks so much! Cooking has been my life’s passion so I’m glad it shows. This dish was devoured 😱. Thank you for watching

[@howardwimbrow3634]

I'm so glad I found this video. This technique and flavor profile has rendered the best home carnitas for sure. I think using a good cast iron enamel dutch oven is a key factor. I put it on a burner after it was done to make sure it was fully reduced and not soupy, and to get that crisp that makes me love carnitas in the remaining fat. For convenience, I substituted chili powder for the anchos and had to use regular oranges. When I saw it called for cinnamon stick I knew this was The Recipe. I'll be making it this way from here on, thank you.

[@ChristineCushing]

I'm so glad you tried and loved my method. It is truly my favourite way of making carnitas and they are always a crowd pleaser !

[@jamesk.]

Love your videos , Christine !!

[@mistreated]

Thanks Christine. I've made this twice since March. I can't recommend this dish, enough. I just wish I could have a party this summer and share it with family and friends. Someday, soon!

[@ChristineCushing]

Oh so glad you love it! I made it for a birthday dinner a couple of weeks ago. It was inhaled ! Thank you

[@khalelahchanakira3355]

Making your recipe right now!!! My house smells delicious can't wait to dig in!!! Just found your channel and I can't stop watching 💜

[@ChristineCushing]

Khalelah Chanakira Fantastic ! Doesn’t it smell ridiculous ? I can’t wait to hear how they taste. Thanks for watching and hope you try many more of my recipes.

[@ubroberts5541]

Smart lady, smart delicious cooking. You can just see that this is the real deal. I’m going to try this method. Thanks

[@ChristineCushing]

Thank you so much. Whenever I make this for people they lose their mind , so I hope you try it. Be well.

[@cyber702]

Looks amazing

[@yoakiyama]

Made this for dinner last night and OMG!!! The aroooma and flavor is so out of this world! Can't thank you enough for this recipe!

[@ChristineCushing]

My pleasure! I felt the same way , so I'm glad you loved it also.

[@patchjohanson]

@@ChristineCushing no need to sear pieces first?

[@ChristineCushing]

@@patchjohanson The beauty of this method is that the meat browns itself towards the end of the cooking process. You have to try it. Thank you

[@_iamxhris5132]

Wow this looks amazing. I'm going to try this today and hopefully satisfy the family! Thank you for the video

[@ChristineCushing]

Please try it. We are absolutely obsessed with this method at our house. Thanks for watching

[@xoxoravepixiexoxo]

I made mine with blood oranges and it tasted delicious. Great recipe!

[@whatsnext2359]

Thank you so much! Looks amazing! Can't wait to make it tonight!

[@ChristineCushing]

I know you will love it ! How did it turn out?

[@GrantWyness]

Christine, you are a find! So many cooks and chefs on KZbin deliver magnificent food-art, yet fail to deliver the soulful appreciation of what food really is - for once, very grateful for KZbin algorithms 😋 🍻

[@ChristineCushing]

Grant Wyness thank you for your kind words. I also want to get us all to understand how food has a story , connects us and is not just random ingredients thrown together. See you in the kitchen

[@theresarodriguez3284]

Can't wait to try this recipe. I like the one step bake and brown. Beautifully done.

[@ChristineCushing]

It's so good!😊

[@midnighteater3275]

I love this cooking technique, it came out fabulous

[@ChristineCushing]

I'm glad you like it! I really feel its the ideal way to make these with little fuss but great results.

[@KevinPeffley]

Delicious recipe. Thank you. I smoked the pork (salted and peppered) for 25 minutes at 225F, then mixed it in a cocotte as instructed. I also substituted one cup of chicken stock with pineapple juice. Since the pork had already been cooked for a bit, I cooked it at 300F. Awesome, thank you.

[@ChristineCushing]

Sounds amazing. I love your own additions. Thank youy

[@happykarina1]

Such a wonderful recipe!!! No coke, lard or milk and they taste amazing!!!!!! Wonderful video!

[@ChristineCushing]

Exactly : No coke no lard. So glad you loved them. Thank you

[@jodiehebert8285]

I’m making these for about the fifth time and they are great!! Thanks for this recipe - it is a hit!

[@ChristineCushing]

That is what I love to hear ! We also love it in our house.

[@NatyG728]

Thank you! A recipe without requiring frying and oil! 😋

[@ChristineCushing]

My pleasure! I hope you try it, you'll really enjoy it.

[@Jupe367]

Wow that look so delicious.

[@ChristineCushing]

Super tasty and very tender. Thanks for watching

[@ginettecataford5254]

Allo Christine! Omg! That's my kind of cooking , the look of that casserole! Wow Chef!mouth watering recipe! You did it again! Thank you for sharing!

[@ChristineCushing]

Salut Ginette ! .. Oh this one is sooo delicious. Thank you for watching

[@1991obelisk]

This was sooooooo good!! And so easy. Thank you so much!!🤗

[@ChristineCushing]

Amazing to hear !

[@user-tc4io7fu7b]

Easy protocol, wonderful results. The crispy edges is extremely delicious. My son loves this very much. Thanks a lot.

[@ChristineCushing]

So glad you love it as much as we do ! Thank you

[@victorflores9510]

That looked do good... wow!

[@ChristineCushing]

Victor Flores it’s sooo good. Thanks

[@synchemist6462]

That looks amaaazing! I will try this.

[@ChristineCushing]

Thank you ! Please try it !

[@bquint6843]

Looks awesome thanks for sharing this recipe, definately going to try.

[@ChristineCushing]

Please try it. Everyone who has tasted it , loves it ! Thank you

[@jamesmedina6015]

A que bien trabajo Señora ❤️

[@Joelalfred]

Love it

[@jujub4553]

Omg this looks ridiculously delicious. My mouth is watering

[@ChristineCushing]

It is definitely drool worthy! :)

[@deaconx]

That looks incredible.

[@ChristineCushing]

deaconx thank you

[@tltate]

That looks great!

[@ChristineCushing]

Thank you so much ! You have to try it. it's really spectacular

[@reneflores904]

Looks amazing . good job . I want to make that

[@ChristineCushing]

You should try it

[@bernardlaughlin2718]

Dinner goals. You are my food hero.

[@ChristineCushing]

Many thanks. 👏👏

[@ritaranee4787]

Thank you and God Bless from Shillong, India

[@ChristineCushing]

My pleasure. Wow sending you blessing back to India. !

[@suzukiclaus3028]

This has become a staple dish at my table love it !! Thank u

[@ChristineCushing]

So glad you guys love it as much as we do.

[@shhaiwatoumcibian]

looks delicious bravo

[@ChristineCushing]

Thank you ! It’s crazy good this dish.

[@richsellskc]

Perfect! Love different variations used to prepare carnitas. This one, too, is "out of the park", home run!

[@ChristineCushing]

Thanks so much ! I have made it so many times and people lose their minds.

[@Sbannmarie]

oh man.. love it

[@yanick357]

You have a passion for food and I love it!

[@ChristineCushing]

thank you ! Very true.

[@janamoran189]

Must make, WOW !! Chef Christine, TY for sharing your recipes & tips 💃🛐🎇♥️ Much love from Alaska !!

[@philipbonafede7320]

Saw your show this morning and it is already in the oven cooking!! TACO TUESDAY!!!!

[@ChristineCushing]

Wow ! let me know how it was ..

[@noraubilla6196]

Wow, those carnitas look terrific! Thank you, Christine 🌟

[@ChristineCushing]

Many thanks! The kitchen smelled so great for the whole day.

[@eriklocs1231]

Definitely, my parents are old school and they're from Michoacan Mexico and I KNOW they wouldn't approve of this because it's made NOT traditionally. But I think they look great and you put a nice twist to them. I want to try them soooo bad. There's this ingredient I would like to try in them, it's Fish Sauce, it's an Asian ingredient but fish sauce is used a lot in pork in their culture and it really gives chicken and pork a really caramel and nice taste to it. Even though I HATE the fish sauce smell. Anyways, GREAT job. I'm gonna try making them in the oven without my parents knowing.

[@luigibardellagerbi1440]

@@eriklocs1231 Man fish sauce/oyster sauce it's fucking nice in Tacos

[@semco72057]

Your husband is so fortunate to have found you to be his chef and wife and he must know how fortunate he is and love eating your magnificent meals. That is a nice looking taco and I love the carnitas you made to put into the taco shells. Seeing you make that have me wanting go out shopping for more food and get the meat for this recipe. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us all and and be safe during the lockdown and God Bless.

[@vpp9334]

My fever it winter meal I love it thanks for the video good on you

[@ChristineCushing]

Thank you !

[@user-bk4ml7bs3d]

Mouth watering 🤤yummy

[@13c11a]

This is an authentic recipe. In Mexico, they put two tortilla together, one on top of the other to hold the taco. One by itself usually tears. Beautiful meal. Thank you!

[@salvadordelarosa6927]

No authentic recipe 👎🏻

[@feebee7621]

Nowhere Man Thank you for that info! I have been wondering why I always see people use two. 😊❤️

[@smokinsteve2433]

I made these today for the family and they are delicious. Best Tacos i ever made. Thank you for this recipe! :)

[@ChristineCushing]

My pleasure. I’m glad you agree !

[@secyb-e-l3748]

Being a chicana... I’ve tried multiple ways of cooking carnitas, this will be my first time in the Oven, house smells amazing... I’ll update with how they come out. ( didn’t have a couple of the ingredients... but I improvised)

[@ChristineCushing]

That is fantastic! I have had many great reviews ( in addition of course to mine ) that they were a huge hit. I look forward to hearing yours.. Thank you

[@jeffreyday2414]

I made these --- easy and excellent!

[@ChristineCushing]

Perfection! I worked hard to get this recipe to be easy and excellent! Thank you

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

I have to make this! That looks so darn good

[@ChristineCushing]

You will love it!

[@antheakaranasos2047]

This is going into my oven right now so it’s ready for dinner tonight when my daughter arrives. My first time using Ancho. I bought a much bigger one & since it’s not too spicy of a chili I might add the whole thing. Can’t wait to taste!!

[@ChristineCushing]

Yes ! I did reply to you via instagram. I hope it was as amazing for you!

[@keithshedron4351]

Very good recipe. Had to use oranges but the end result made delicious tacos, thank you!

[@ChristineCushing]

Keith Shedron thank you !

[@MrTrucktortrailerman]

Thank you

[@RoseJames-ed5hv]

I made this today mhhhhh sooo delicious 😋

[@ChristineCushing]

Yeah! So great to hear that. It is a keeper for sure.

[@cameronwilliams9845]

This is the recipe I use each time I make carnitas. Truly amazing!!!!!

[@ChristineCushing]

Thank you so much.! I'm so glad you tried it and appreciate the technique. This is my official way I make them also.

[@guido9578]

Very good dish, thank you for sharing!! My 10 time doing it .

[@ChristineCushing]

Guido oh wow ! So glad. We loved it too

[@chilarai1]

Starting dinner for tonite, thanks for the recipe.

[@ChristineCushing]

Hope you loved it ! Thanks

[@raceryod]

That was inspiring I’m gonna try this

[@raceryod]

Ok It’s in the oven

[@PromyceJohnson]

Grew up seeing you on the foodnetwork, LOVED your show. You got me into cooking.

[@ChristineCushing]

That is awesome to hear. So glad you found my YT channel! See you in the kitchen for more .. Thank you !

[@rumglas]

i like how you describe flavors. Great video

[@ChristineCushing]

rumglas thank you !

[@mikehill9469]

I made this tonight and it was delicious! The neighbors smelled them cooking, so I gave them a taco and they loved it too. Thanks for the recipe!

[@ChristineCushing]

That is literally the best ! So great that you shared with your neighbours. Thank you

[@robertguerra1943]

@@ChristineCushing

[@edsalinas9996]

I've made this several times. Comquats are a nice touch. I tend to take my "George Foreman" grill, and fry the carnitas to give it a crispy edge. It also helps to remove some of the fat.

[@ChristineCushing]

Ed Salinas that’s also a good idea. In my oven I was able to get those crispy edges. Glad you enjoyed it

[@TinyFlav]

I made this and it is delicious! The great thing about this recipe is anybody can make this recipe, it is foolproof. Make it, you won't be disappointed.

[@ChristineCushing]

Glad you liked it!! It is a favourite around here for sure

[@TwistedArtdesigns]

I drooled...

[@litocall1]

Making it for the 2nd time right now - extended family coming over to try out this showcase dish!

[@ChristineCushing]

Dan Call excellent ! Thanks for sharing and watching

[@beatrixjones2982]

Yep I’m hooked. Happy New subscriber right here! Yum!😋

[@ChristineCushing]

Thank you so much for the Sub! I hope you try this fantastic recipe. Many viewers have shared their very exciting results. See you in the kitchen.

[@simonfelanjr3259]

Just made it. That was awesome,friend told me once if it is good there will not be any left overs.

[@ChristineCushing]

Simon Felan Jr that friend knows what they are talking about. Thank you !

[@Carole_Williamson]

OMG, I want this now!!!!!!!!

[@ChristineCushing]

Carole Williamson yes you do. Haha. Thank you and glad you enjoyed it

[@creeryk]

Made this today, I had 5lbs of pork and used 3lbs for the recipe. I planned to use the extra pork for something else. When we got done eating this dish I realized there weren’t enough left overs to suit me so I went ahead and made a second batch. These carnitas were delicious, thanks!

[@ChristineCushing]

When you don't have leftovers that's a sign that you knocked it out of the park. Thanks

[@agsmith001]

yum! gonna try this for Christmas Eve enchiladas!

[@ChristineCushing]

I think you will love them! How did they turn out? Thanks for watching

[@agsmith001]

@@ChristineCushing they are so good! i wanted to braise instead of slow cook because i had loin instead of shoulder but it came out great thanks to your recipe! i used chicken stock mixed with arbol chili powder, 2 oranges, garlic, oregano and onions. the citrus blend with the arbol chiles is great! 3 hours at 300 in cast iron pot in oven. stock was reduced to 1", chopped up the meat and resoaked in it and than i used that juice to dip soft fried tortillas in and pour on top of enchiladas before baking.

[@gypsybella3972]

Oh my god!!!! I love the way you cook- reminds me of my Gramma and myself- Thank you!!!!!

[@ChristineCushing]

Thank you so much !

[@chickmcgee1000]

I’d started mine based on another video I’d seen today. But I incorporated finishing what I’ve started based on what I learned watching this. Can’t wait to try what I’ve got in the oven, then I’ll do my next try the way yours are. 😊

[@ChristineCushing]

That's awesome. How did it turn out? Hope you try it my way next time. Thanks for watching

[@chickmcgee1000]

MyFavouriteFoods ChristineCushing It was very good, but next time I’ll be thorough in have all ingredients needed to follow what you did. And I’m looking forward to it! Thank you!