Easy Keto Carnitas
These delicious and healthy Keto Carnitas are slow-cooked to perfection and then crisped under the broiler, making them an ideal low-carb main dish for any occasion. Perfect for tacos, salads, or just by themselves!
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Heavy Pot
- Foil-lined baking sheet
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless pork butt
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 medium orange cut into quarters
- 1 medium lime cut into quarters
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven & Pork: Preheat your oven to a gentle 300°F (150°C). Season your pork butt generously with salt and pepper all over.
- Sear for Flavor: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, warm the avocado oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned pork roast and brown it nicely on all sides to lock in those delicious flavors.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Pour 1 cup of water into the pot. Squeeze the juice from the orange and lime quarters directly into the pot, then add the citrus rinds too. Stir in the cumin, oregano, chopped chipotle pepper, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot tightly and transfer it to your preheated oven.
- Tender Shredding: Let the pork cook for about 5 hours, or until it's incredibly tender and falls apart easily with a fork. Carefully remove the cooked pork from the liquid and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool slightly so it's easy to shred into smaller pieces.
- Crispy Finish: Spread the shredded pork evenly on the baking sheet. Place it under your oven's broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges become wonderfully crisp and golden. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Flavorful Reduction: While the pork crisps, remove and discard the orange and lime rinds from the cooking liquid in the pot. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a boil. Let it simmer until it reduces by about half, concentrating all those amazing flavors into a rich sauce.
- Combine & Enjoy: Return the crispy shredded pork to the reduced liquids in the pot and toss it well to coat. Taste and add extra salt and pepper if needed. Your delicious, healthy carnitas are ready to enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Carbs: 2g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Fats: 27.9g
- Protein: 48.8g
