Is pork shoulder good for carnitas?
Carnitas are the Mexican version of pulled pork. It’s traditionally made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) because of the higher fat content, which helps the meat stay super tender and juicy while it’s cooked.
What cut makes the best carnitas?
Pork shoulder roast
Pork shoulder roast: The best cut of meat for carnitas is pork shoulder AKA pork butt AKA Boston butt because it is well-marbled with fat and cooks up incredibly tender with a long braise.
What temp should pork shoulder be for carnitas?
195-205°F
The USDA’s recommended minimum temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C), but the connective tissue needs to be heated to at least 160-170°F (71-77°C) to dissolve properly, and most smoked pork shoulders are pulled in the temperature range of 195-205°F (91-96°C).
What is the difference between carnitas and pulled pork?
Pulled pork is meat from a pig (typically from the shoulder region) that has been slow-cooked until it’s easy enough to shred, whereas carnitas (meaning “little meats”) is a version of pulled pork that’s often fixed with Mexican spices (or simply salt).
Should you sear pork shoulder before slow cooking?
Then, although it’s an extra step, I brown the shoulder roast before adding it to the slow cooker for those crispy bits that add flavor. The brown sugar caramelizes as it cooks, so watch the pork as it cooks so it doesn’t burn. Add the onion and garlic to the slow cooker and place the pork butt on top.
Is pork shoulder and picnic the same?
Pork shoulder is also called pork picnic shoulder and is found directly below the pork butt on the animal. This sub-primal cut runs from the bottom of the pork butt to the top of the front leg hoof. As opposed to the pork butt, this is a well-used muscle on the pig, making it a more dense and tough piece of meat.
What does milk do in carnitas?
The milk acts as a tenderizer, a secret I learned while growing up watching dad make his carnitas which, by the way, were always exceptionally tender. The beer gives the pork another layer of flavor, while the cinnamon, which pairs so well with pork, adds warm, earthy tones.
Why do people add Coke to carnitas?
Well, actually, the classic soda is a famous ingredient for braising big cuts of meat. Here, the sugary drink tenderizes pork shoulder, and classic carnitas spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano add balance. After cooking until the pork is super tender, you reduce the sauce until it makes a delicious glaze.
Can I use pork shoulder for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder is ideal for pulling purposes. It has an optimum fat content that yields to create tender, melty meat, but it’s essential you cook it slowly to allow the protein to break down properly.
Can I make pulled pork with pork shoulder picnic?
The pork shoulder is typically cut into two parts, the Boston butt and the picnic roast. You can use either for this method, but the Boston butt is the best since it’s easier to work with, uniform in shape, and contains the right ratio of fat to lean.