Ultimate Grilled Carnitas Trio
Discover the delicious versatility of pork with my Ultimate Grilled Carnitas Trio! This family-favorite dish combines mouth-watering spices and three distinct cooking methods to bring out the best flavors in succulent boneless pork shoulder. Whether you prefer the slow-cooked tenderness, the vibrant grill marks, or baked caramelization, you can enjoy carnitas all year round without heating up your kitchen! Perfect as a main dish served with warm tortillas, rice, and beans, or as a filling for fresh burritos, these carnitas will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Pork Shoulder
3 lbs (cut into large chunks)
Black Pepper
2 teaspoons (ground)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Instant Minced Garlic
1 teaspoon (none)
Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried Onion Flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Onion Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Dried Cilantro
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground Red Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Chopped Fresh Cilantro
to taste (for serving)
Chopped White Onion
to taste (for serving)
Shredded Lettuce
to taste (preferably romaine, for serving)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all seasoning ingredients.
2
Place the boneless pork shoulder in a large mixing bowl. Generously rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat, ensuring it's evenly coated.
3
To prepare a foil packet, lay out two long sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil in a cross pattern. Put the seasoned pork in the center and fold the foil up around the meat into a secure packet.
4
Refrigerate the meat packet for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
5
For the SLOW COOKED option: After marinating, transfer the meat packet to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours until extremely tender. Carefully remove the meat from the packet and transfer it to a grill preheated to medium-high. Grill for 5 minutes to achieve a perfect char and grill marks, then shred and serve in warm corn tortillas with beans and rice.
6
For the GRILLING option: Preheat the grill to 325°F. Place the meat foil packet on the grill over indirect heat. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the packet and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Flip once more and cook for another 30 minutes. Carefully open the packet, place the pork directly on the grill, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until charred on the outside. Serve warm, either in tortillas or alone with a side of rice and beans.
7
For the OVEN option: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Arrange the seasoned pork in a single layer in a 9x13x2 baking pan. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until very tender. Uncover the pan and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to crisp up the exterior.
8
Serve your carnitas with chopped fresh cilantro, diced white onion, and shredded lettuce to taste.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
2g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Grilled Carnitas Trio?
It is a versatile pork dish featuring succulent boneless pork shoulder prepared using one of three distinct cooking methods: slow-cooked, grilled, or baked.
What cut of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, cut into large chunks.
What are the three ways to cook these carnitas?
You can cook them using a slow cooker combined with a grill, entirely on the grill, or in the oven.
How long should I marinate the pork?
The meat should be refrigerated in its foil packet for at least 6 hours, though overnight is preferred.
How do I prepare the foil packet?
Lay out two long sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil in a cross pattern, place the seasoned pork in the center, and fold the foil into a secure packet.
How do I cook the slow cooker version?
Cook the meat packet on low for 4 hours, then grill the meat for 5 minutes to achieve a char before shredding.
What is the temperature for the grilling method?
Preheat your grill to 325°F for the indirect cooking phase.
How long does the grilling method take?
The packet cooks for 90 minutes (flipping every 30), followed by 10 minutes of direct grilling.
How do I bake the carnitas in the oven?
Bake covered in a 9x13x2 pan at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, then uncover and bake for 15-20 more minutes to crisp it up.
What toppings are suggested for serving?
The carnitas are best served with chopped fresh cilantro, diced white onion, and shredded lettuce.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 360 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it contains only 2g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of lettuce is recommended?
Shredded romaine lettuce is the preferred choice for this recipe.
What spices are in the dry rub?
The rub includes black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, onion salt, oregano, cilantro, cumin, and red pepper.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried garlic?
The seasoning uses both garlic powder and instant minced garlic.
What are the fat and protein contents?
Each serving has 20g of fat and 20g of protein.
Can I use these carnitas for burritos?
Yes, they are described as a perfect filling for fresh burritos.
What sides go well with this dish?
It is recommended to serve with warm tortillas, rice, and beans.
How many times should I flip the meat packet on the grill?
The packet should be flipped twice, once every 30 minutes, during the indirect grilling phase.
What is the purpose of the instant minced garlic?
It is part of the seasoning mixture to add texture and concentrated garlic flavor to the pork.
Can I cook this dish without heating up the kitchen?
Yes, by using the grilling or slow cooker methods, you can avoid heating up your kitchen.
Is there any heat or spice in the rub?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper for a bit of heat.
How long do I grill the meat after slow cooking?
Grill for 5 minutes over medium-high heat to get a perfect char.
What type of onion is used for garnish?
Diced white onion is recommended for garnish.
Is the pork shoulder boneless or bone-in?
This recipe specifically calls for boneless pork shoulder.
What size pan is needed for the oven method?
A 9x13x2 inch baking pan is used for the oven cooking option.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients, including the meat, spices, and garnishes.
What type of tortillas are mentioned for the slow cooker method?
The instructions suggest serving the slow-cooked carnitas in warm corn tortillas.
What is the texture of the meat after slow cooking?
The meat becomes extremely tender, making it easy to shred.