Guest Author - Amy McDaniel

Pork Carnitas

If you have never tried delicious, crispy, golden pork carnitas, I almost envy you. I wish I could try them for the first time again! I went to undergrad in southern California, and my first bite of carnitas made a serious Mexican foodie out of me.

Carnitas are like little pork nuggets. At least, they are little when I make them, but I have also eaten bigger ones. To me, the best part is the crunchy exterior, so I like to maximize the surface area. Carnitas literally means little meats, and some versions actually use beef or even lamb. But pork is classic.

Ever fried bacon? The method is the same, only carnitas take a lot longer to cook. You cook bite-sized pork chunks in a little water, very slowly so the pork renders as much fat as possible. Once that happens, they fry in their own fat until crispy. The result is an ultra-tender interior with that satisfying golden crunch on the outside.

Add carnitas to your list of favorite fillings for tacos, tamales, enchiladas, burritos, and all the rest. Green salsa, replete with tangy tomatillos, makes a nice complement to the rich pork. Or just serve carnitas with steaming white rice, warm flour tortillas, and guacamole.

Be patient when you make carnitas. It is a slow dish, sure, but it does not require much attention. Just give yourself plenty of time, and remember that it might take longer than you expect. Not to worry, it'll get there.

Recipe

Makes 4 main-dish servings

1 lb. boneless pork shoulder or butt, trimmed of any tough fat
Pinch of salt

1. Cut pork into bite-sized cubes, about 3/4-inch

2. Place pork into a medium-sized, heavy saucepan and cover with 1/2-inch water. Add a pinch of salt.

3. Set pan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to a slow simmer and cook, partially covered, for at least an hour. Around this time, water will be evaporated and pork will begin to fry in its own fat. Raise heat to medium and fry, stirring frequently, until pork turns golden and crisp. Drain carnitas on paper towels and serve.