Pregnancy Friendly Carnitas
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch chunks
Ingredient noteCook all meat thoroughly when pregnant.
- 2 tbsp garlic-infused oil
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Ingredient noteOregano is fine during pregnancy in normal cooking amounts - this recipe uses about scant 1/4 tsp per serving. The caution is about concentrated oregano oil and large medicinal doses.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 medium orange)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 bay leaf
For serving
- ½ cup scallion tops, thinly sliced (green parts only)
- corn tortillas, warmed, for serving
- fresh cilantro leaves, for serving (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a small bowl, stir together the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
- 2
Heat the garlic-infused oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in two batches to avoid crowding, sear the pork chunks on two or three sides until deep golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared pork to a plate and repeat with the remaining pieces.
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