Cola Pork Carnitas
TOTAL TIME1 hr 50 mins
SKILL LEVELIntermediate
SERVINGS8
About this RecipeSlow-simmered with cola, citrus, and spices, these pork carnitas are rich, tender, and full of flavor. Made with Smithfield pork, this recipe brings a comforting twist to classic carnitas—perfect for tacos, bowls, or sharing with family.
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Ingredients
Gather Ingredients from the list below 16 oz. Cola soda 1/2 cup Orange juice 2 tbsps. Vegetable oil 1 tbsp. Achiote paste 1/2 tsp. Mexican oregano 1 Yellow onion, julienned 1 Jalapeño, julienned 2 cloves Garlic, minced 1 pinch Ground cumin 1 Lime, juiced 1 Carrot, peeled and shredded 1 Small red onion, shaved to taste Salt
Gather Ingredients from the list below
Cola Carnitas
2 1/2 lbs. Fresh Pork Boneless Pork Loin
Pickled Carrots and Onions
Directions
1.
For pickled carrots and onions, combine juice from lime, shredded carrots, shaved onions and salt in small bowl, and let marinate for 1 hour, mixing several times.
2.
Heat oven to 350ºF. Place cut pork loin in 5-inch x 9-inch baking pan.
3.
Combine cola, orange juice, oil, achiote paste and oregano in mixing bowl; whisk until achiote paste is dissolved. Season with salt and pepper.
4.
Pour achiote mixture over pork and cover with foil; bake for 45 minutes.
5.
Remove from oven and cool to room temperature; cut into 1-inch cubes.
6.
Heat large skillet on medium; add pork and fry, stirring often, until evenly golden brown.
7.
Add yellow onion and jalapeño slices; cook 5 minutes or until they begin to brown, stirring often.
8.
Add garlic and cumin and continuing to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Adjust seasonings as desired. Pork should be tender to the touch and moist, and onions and jalapeños lightly browned.
