Crispy Beer-Braised Carnitas
These Crispy Beer-Braised Carnitas are slow-cooked until fork-tender in citrus, spices, and wheat beer, then crisped under the broiler for that irresistible golden edge. Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or nachos—flavorful, juicy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork butt cut into 4 pieces
- 1 onion diced
- 1 Tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large orange zested and juiced
- 1 12 oz Blue Moon beer or similar wheat beer
Instructions
- Place pork, onion, chipotle powder, oregano, cumin, and salt in crockpot.
- Zest and juice orange into the pot. Pour in beer.
- Cover and cook on LOW 7–8 hrs or HIGH 4 hrs, until pork is fork-tender.
- Preheat oven to BROIL.
- Transfer pork to a sheet pan, shred, and drizzle with ¼ cup of cooking liquid.
- Broil for 5–6 minutes until crispy edges form.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/crispy-beer-braised-carnitas/
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil in two batches or flip pork halfway through broiling.
- Substitute the beer with chicken broth or cola for an alcohol-free version.
- Leftovers are perfect for tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, or sandwiches.
- Carnitas freeze well—store in airtight bags or containers for up to 2 months.