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Copycat Chipotle Carnitas tender braised pork

Copycat Chipotle Carnitas

A copycat of Chipotle's Carnitas - pork shoulder braised low and slow with bay leaves, thyme, and juniper until fork-tender and juicy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds pork shoulder cut in chunks
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 juniper berries optional
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 cup water

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or slow cooker

Method
 

  1. Season the pork chunks with salt and pepper.
  2. Place in a Dutch oven with the bay leaves, thyme, juniper, garlic, and water.
  3. Cover and braise at 300F (or low slow cooker) for 3 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  4. Shred the pork with two forks and moisten with some of the cooking juices.
  5. For crispy edges, spread on a sheet and broil 3-5 minutes. Serve in bowls, tacos, or burritos.

Notes

Pork shoulder (Boston butt) is essential for tender, juicy carnitas. Juniper berries give Chipotle's distinctive flavor, but you can leave them out.