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Green Chile Pork Carnitas

Tender, slow-cooked pork carnitas with roasted Hatch green chiles and garlic—perfect for tacos, burritos, beans, and bowls.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Pork:
  • 10 –12 lb total pork 5–6 lb pork loin + 5–6 lb boneless country-style ribs or shoulder
  • 40 oz jar roasted Hatch green chiles medium heat, e.g., 505 brand
  • 28 oz can diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 5 garlic cloves roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
For the Pork Rub Seasoning:
  • 6 tbsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp ancho chile powder
  • 2 tsp granulated garlic
Pantry Seasonings / Extras:
  • Additional salt black pepper, ancho chile powder, granulated garlic (to taste)
  • Vegetable oil for searing

Method
 

Prepare the Pork & Rub
  1. Cut pork into 3-inch cubes or strips. In a small bowl, combine sea salt, black pepper, ancho chile powder, and granulated garlic. Coat the pork cubes generously and evenly with this rub.
Sear the Pork
  1. Heat a large Dutch oven or 8-qt pot over medium heat. Add a few tablespoons of vegetable oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the pork until golden brown on all sides—about 3–4 minutes per side. Set the browned pork aside.
Braise the Pork
  1. Return all seared pork to the pot. Add roasted green chiles, diced tomatoes, chopped garlic, and rice vinegar. Stir gently to combine and cover. Place in a 300°F (150°C) oven and cook for 5–6 hours. Around 3–4 hours in, check the liquid and seasoning—add salt if needed. Continue cooking until the pork is falling-apart tender.
Shred & Finish
  1. When done, skim excess fat from the top of the braising liquid. Remove pork and shred it with forks. Return shredded pork to the flavorful juices and mix to coat.
Serve & Enjoy
  1. Scoop the carnitas into tortillas for tacos or fill burritos. It’s also great atop rice and beans or in grain bowls. Serve with your favorite toppings and savor every bite.