Traeger Kitchen
Braised Pork Carnitas
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
3 Hours
Effort
Pellets
Alder
We’ve done the impossible. We made carnitas even better by braising them in beer inside a Traeger grill. Start with a well marbled boneless pork shoulder and break it down to two inch chunks. Then toss the chunks into a Dutch oven and cover with beer and water and let it cook down for about 3 hours.
Ingredients
Steps
1
Slice the pork into 2-inch chunks and arrange in a Dutch oven or a roasting pan. Add the beer and top off with enough water to barely cover the meat. Stir in the salt and the cumin.2
On the stovetop over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil.3
When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 300°F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
Grill: 300˚4
Carefully transfer the pan with the meat to the grill grate. Roast the pork, uncovered, until the meat is very tender, about 2-1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add a bit more water to the pan if most of the liquid has evaporated.Grill: 300˚5
When the pork is tender, drain off any remaining cooking liquid and discard.6
Break the meat into bite-sized chunks with a fork. Add the lard to the pan and return the pan to the grill grate.7
Increase the grill temperature of the Traeger to 400°F. Cook until pork is browned and some bits are slightly crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently.Grill: 400˚8
Make tacos with the carnitas and desired toppings. Enjoy!