Skip to Main Content
Braised Pork Carnitas

Braised Pork Carnitas

By Traeger Kitchen

We’ve done the impossible. We made carnitas even better by braising them in beer inside a Traeger grill. Start with a well marbled boneless pork shoulder and break it down to two inch chunks. Then toss the chunks into a Dutch oven and cover with beer and water and let it cook down for about 3 hours.

Prep Time

15 Min

Cook Time

3 Hr
30 Min

Pellets

Alder
Yields: 4 Servings

Ingredients

main
1 (3-1/2 to 4 lb) boneless, well-marbled pork shoulder
1 (12 oz) can beer
2 Teaspoonsalt
1/2 Teaspoonground cumin
2 Tablespoonlard or vegetable shortening
12 corn or flour tortillas
1/4 Cupsalsa verde
1/2 Cupdiced onions
1/2 Cupshredded cabbage or lettuce
1/4 Cuppico de gallo
1/4 Cupsliced radishes
2 Tablespoonfresh cilantro
1/4 Cupguacamole
Units of Measurment:

Step

  • Step 1

    Slice the pork into 2-inch chunks and arrange in a Dutch oven or a roasting pan. Add the beer and top off with enough water to barely cover the meat. Stir in the salt and the cumin.

    Ingredients
    • 1  (3-1/2 to 4 lb) boneless, well-marbled pork shoulder

    • 1  (12 oz) can beer

    • 2 Teaspoon salt

    • 1/2 Teaspoon ground cumin

  • Step 2

    On the stovetop over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil.

  • Step 3

    When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 300°F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.

    300 ˚F / 149 ˚C

  • Step 4

    Carefully transfer the pan with the meat to the grill grate. Roast the pork, uncovered, until the meat is very tender, about 2-1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add a bit more water to the pan if most of the liquid has evaporated.

    02:30

    300 ˚F / 149 ˚C

  • Step 5

    When the pork is tender, drain off any remaining cooking liquid and discard.

  • Step 6

    Break the meat into bite-sized chunks with a fork. Add the lard to the pan and return the pan to the grill grate.

    Ingredients
    • 2 Tablespoon lard or vegetable shortening

  • Step 7

    Increase the grill temperature of the Traeger to 400°F. Cook until pork is browned and some bits are slightly crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

    00:15

    400 ˚F / 204 ˚C

  • Step 8

    Make tacos with the carnitas and desired toppings. Enjoy!

    Ingredients
    • 12  corn or flour tortillas

    • 1/4 Cup salsa verde

    • 1/2 Cup diced onions

    • 1/2 Cup shredded cabbage or lettuce

    • 1/4 Cup pico de gallo

    • 1/4 Cup sliced radishes

    • 2 Tablespoon fresh cilantro

    • 1/4 Cup guacamole

My Notes


In order to add notes for this recipe, you must log in or create an account.