Keto Dutch Oven Pork Carnitas

Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these Keto Dutch Oven Pork Carnitas are a perfect dish for those following a low-carb lifestyle. This traditional Mexican recipe is given a keto twist, using high-quality ingredients to create mouthwatering pulled pork that's both satisfying and healthy.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword Keto Dinner, Keto Dutch Oven Pork Carnitas, Keto Mexican Recipe, Low Carb Carnitas

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 20

Servings people

Calories 450kcal

Equipment

Dutch oven
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife
Baking sheet (optional for broiling)
Two forks for shredding

Ingredients

4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 orange, juice and zest
1 lime, juice only
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup chicken broth, preferably homemade or low-sodium
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Avocado slices, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, black pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to make the spice rub.
Pat the pork chunks dry with paper towels and coat them thoroughly with the spice rub.
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks in batches, searing them until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set aside.
In the same Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Deglaze the pot with the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add the browned pork back into the Dutch oven. Pour over the orange juice and zest, and lime juice, and stir to combine.
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and shred the pork using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
If desired, spread the shredded pork in a single layer on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes to crisp up the edges.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado slices if using.

Notes

The orange and lime add a traditional citrus flavor to the carnitas without adding too many carbs. Make sure to account for the carbs in the sauce if you're strictly monitoring your intake.

The final broiling step is optional but recommended for adding a delicious crispiness to the carnitas.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and are perfect for meal prep.

Serve with keto-friendly tortillas or over a bed of lettuce for a complete meal.

Nutrition