Incorporate these ingredients into your recipe to ensure a delicious and authentic crispy pork carnitas. Don't forget to marinate the meat in spices for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor results.
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Steps
### How to Make Crispy Pork Carnitas: A Step-by-Step Guide
**Introduction**
Crispy pork carnitas are a beloved Mexican dish known for its tender, flavorful, and perfectly crispy meat. Follow these detailed steps to create an authentic version that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is SEO-friendly and includes relevant keywords to help you find the best results when searching online.
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#### Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder (butt), fat on top
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 4 cups chicken or pork stock
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
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#### Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Brine the Pork**
1. **Prepare the Brining Solution:** In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of salt.
2. **Soak the Pork:** Place the pork in the brining solution and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
**Step 2: Slow Cook the Pork**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** After brining, remove the pork from the refrigerator and place it in a large pot with the quartered onion, smashed garlic, chicken or pork stock, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
2. **Cook Over Low Heat:** Bring to a simmer over low heat, cover, and cook for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.
**Step 3: Shred the Pork**
1. **Remove from Pot:** Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot with tongs or a large spoon.
2. **Shred the Meat:** Use two forks to shred the meat into small pieces, discarding any fat and bones.
**Step 4: Fry for Crispy Skin**
1. **Preheat Oil:** Heat about an inch of cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. **Fry the Pork:** Add the shredded pork in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the meat is golden and crispy.
3. **Drain Excess Oil:** Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the pork from the hot oil and let it drain on paper towels.
**Step 5: Serve**
1. **Warm Tortillas:** Warm corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side.
2. **Assemble the Dish:** Fill each tortilla with shredded crispy pork, diced onions, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately.
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#### Tips for Success
- **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Ensure your pork is of good quality to achieve the best flavor.
- **Adjust Seasonings:** Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to personal preference.
- **Avoid Overcrowding:** Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious batch of crispy pork carnitas that will be the highlight of any meal. Happy cooking!