Make Ahead Freezer Pork Carnitas

A mouth-watering batch of pork carnitas can be made up to 3 months in advance. With these make-ahead freezer tips, they will taste just as delicious as they did when you made them fresh!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword make ahead pork carnitas, pork carnitas

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 234kcal

Author Kelli Shallal MPH RD

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons coconut sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1 tablespoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon avocado oil
12 garlic cloves
1 onion sliced
1 cup water
1 - 2 limes

Instructions

Freezing Instructions:

After the meat is cooked in the slow cooker or instant pot, shred the meat but do not brown it. Shredded meat tends to lose it's moisture when frozen or stored. So, freeze the meat and juice in separate containers. You can freeze for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to cook it, let it defrost under refrigeration overnight.
Preheat the oven to broil, and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread defrosted shredded pork accross the pan and broil until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the broth in the microwave or the stove in a sauce-pan. Toss broth with crispy pork as needed for juiciness. Now, it's ready to serve!

Notes

When cooking and then freezing: Keep in mind that liquid Expands in the Freezer! Don't make my mistake and fill the broth containers full. Leave ⅓ to ½ space for the liquid to expand, so it doesn't leak all over your freezer.

Nutrition