Roasted Pulled Pork Carnitas

DAY PRIOR TO SERVICE:

1. Thaw the frozen pulled pork in the cooler at 41°F or below for 24–48 hours before prep.

Take the bags of pulled pork out of the case to ensure even thawing.

2. Make the Carnitas Spice Blend following recipe. Store in dry storage, wrapped, labeled, and dated until needed.
3. Make the Mojo Marinade following the recipe. Store in the cooler, wrapped, labeled, and dated until needed.

Hold at 41°F or below.

DAY OF SERVICE:

1. Sear the pork using Tilt Skillet or Oven methods below.

Searing is essential to carnitas integrity; it creates the "Maillard reaction," developing the signature crispy exterior and caramelized flavor that prevents the pulled pork from having a "boiled" texture once the marinade is added.

2. TILT SKILLET: Heat oil over medium-high. Add pork in batches and cook undisturbed for 3–5 minutes.
3. OVEN: Spread thawed pork evenly onto parchment-lined sheet pans. Drizzle with oil and roast at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
4. Add the Mojo Marinade and Carnitas Spice Blend to the pork. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes allowing some of the liquid to reduce and flavors to absorb.

Cook to 165°F or higher for 15 seconds.

5. Transfer to hotel pans and hot hold, covered, until needed.

Cook to 135°F or higher.

6. Serving size is 3 ounces (No. 10 scoop).