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Carnitas recipe with juicy texture and crispy edges

Crispy Juicy Carnitas

This flavor-packed carnitas recipe uses a halal-friendly beef chuck roast, slow-simmered with citrus and spices, then crisped to perfection. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or nachos!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2.5 lbs boneless beef chuck roast halal-friendly alternative to pork
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 1 orange juiced
  • 1.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Sear beef chuck roast on all sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side).
  • Add chopped onion and garlic. Stir briefly, then mix in spices, lime juice, orange juice, and broth. Add bay leaves.
  • Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5–3 hours, until meat is fork-tender.
  • Remove meat, shred it, and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with cooking liquid and broil for 5–7 minutes until crispy, turning once.

Notes

For extra crispiness, let meat sit uncovered before broiling. Try pineapple juice for a sweet twist, or add jalapeño for heat.
Keyword Beef, Carnitas, Halal