Dr Pepper Carnitas
Infuse your carnitas with a unique and delicious flavor by simmering the meat in Dr Pepper. These carnitas are tender and flavorful, perfect for tacos, burritos or bowls.
3 hrs 30 mins
12 Serving(s)
Ingredients
Carnitas
- 1 1/2 tsp. Schnucks garlic salt
- 1 tsp. Schnucks cumin
- 1 tsp. chile powder
- 1 tsp. Schnucks onion powder
- 1 tsp. Schnucks dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. Schnucks black pepper
- 2 1/2 lbs. boneless pork roast, rinsed and patted dry
- 4 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
- 1 1/2 cups Dr Pepper soda
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tbsp. juice)
- 1 orange, juiced (about 1/3 cup juice)
Optional Toppings
- cherry tomatoes
- cilantro
- purple cabbage
- cotija cheese
- sour cream
- tortillas
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together garlic salt, cumin, hatch chile powder, onion powder, oregano and pepper; rub all over pork.
- In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons oil over medium. Sear pork until browned, 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer pork to a cutting board.
- In a large six-quart slow cooker, add Dr Pepper, lime juice, orange juice and any remaining juices from skillet. Add pork and turn gently to coat. Cook until very tender, 3–4 hours on High or 6–8 hours on Low. Transfer to cutting board, reserving liquid in slow cooker and shred with forks.
- In a large skillet over medium-high, heat remaining oil. Working in batches as needed, sear pork until edges are crisp and lightly browned, about 3–5 minutes.
- Return all pork to skillet and add 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid from slow cooker. Increase heat to high; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is thick and syrupy, 5–8 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately with tortillas and desired toppings.
Slow cooking with Dr Pepper tenderizes meat while adding a subtle sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
346 Calories Per ServingFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 628mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugars: 7gProtein: 30gActual nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and/or modifications to the recipe