How to Make Perfect Traeger Carnitas: A Smoky, Tender Pork Recipe

Traeger Grills presents a unique take on carnitas by braising well-marbled boneless pork shoulder in beer on a Traeger grill. The recipe involves breaking down the pork into 2-inch pieces, braising it with beer and water until tender, and then browning it with lard until slightly crisp. The carnitas are served in warm tortillas with a variety of toppings, such as salsa verde, diced onion, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, and guacamole.

Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Pellets: Hickory
Serves: 4 

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2-4 lb boneless, well-marbled pork shoulder
• 12 oz can of beer
• Water (as needed)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp lard or vegetable shortening
• 12 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
• Salsa verde, diced white onion, shredded green cabbage or lettuce, pico de gallo, sliced radishes, chopped fresh cilantro, guacamole (for serving)

Steps:

1. Preheat the Traeger grill to 300°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
2. Slice the pork into 2-inch pieces and place in a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Add the beer and enough water to cover the meat. Stir in salt and cumin. Bring to a boil on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
3. Transfer the Dutch oven to the grill grates, close the lid, and roast, stirring occasionally, until the meat is very tender (2 1/2-3 hours), adding more water if needed.
4. Remove the Dutch oven from the grill, increase the grill temperature to 400°F, drain any remaining liquid, and break the pork into bite-size chunks.
5. Add lard to the Dutch oven and return to the grill. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pork is browned and slightly crisp (15-20 minutes).
6. Serve the carnitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

A Smoky Twist with Traeger Grills

Carnitas, a beloved Mexican dish, have been reimagined with a smoky twist, thanks to Traeger Grills. This guide will walk you through the process of making succulent, flavorful carnitas using a Traeger grill, promising a mouth-watering experience that's bound to impress.

The Art of Braising

At the heart of this recipe is the technique of braising, a method that transforms a simple boneless pork shoulder into tender, juicy carnitas. By slow-cooking the meat in beer, enhanced by the subtle smokiness of hickory wood pellets, you get a depth of flavor that's unparalleled.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Pork Shoulder: The key to great carnitas is a well-marbled cut, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful.
• Beer: Acts as a tenderizing agent, infusing the pork with a rich, malty flavor.
• Seasonings: Kosher salt and ground cumin bring out the savory notes in the pork, while lard adds richness and helps in achieving the perfect crisp.

Step-by-Step Perfection

1. Preparation: Start by setting your Traeger grill to 300°F. This steady, moderate heat is perfect for braising.
2. Braising the Pork: Cut the pork into manageable pieces and combine with beer and water in a Dutch oven. This mixture, once boiled, gets transferred to the grill where it will simmer for hours, absorbing the flavors and becoming incredibly tender.
3. Achieving Tenderness: The slow braise, with occasional stirring, ensures that each piece of pork is uniformly cooked and tender.
4. Crisping the Carnitas: After braising, increase the grill's heat to 400°F. This final step involves browning the pork in lard, giving it those sought-after crispy edges.

Serving Suggestions

Carnitas are best enjoyed in warm tortillas, but the toppings are where you can truly personalize the dish. Consider these delicious options:

• Salsa Verde: Adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich pork.
• Diced White Onion and Cilantro: Provide a crisp, herbal freshness.
• Shredded Cabbage or Lettuce: Adds a crunchy texture.
• Pico de Gallo and Sliced Radishes: Bring vibrant colors and additional crunch.
• Guacamole: Offers a creamy, rich finish.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect carnitas involves a blend of patience, the right ingredients, and the smoky magic of a Traeger grill. By following this guide, you'll master a dish that's not only a staple in Mexican cuisine but also a show-stopper at any gathering. Enjoy the journey of flavors and the satisfaction of serving up the best carnitas your guests have ever tasted.