Carnitas-Style Smoked Pork Shoulder

This Carnitas-Style Smoked Pork Shoulder is a true centerpiece recipe from our Flavor Fiesta BBQ Box, built to deliver big, celebratory flavor with minimal fuss. A bone-in pork shoulder is slow-smoked low and steady until it reaches that perfect fall-apart tenderness, allowing the bold seasoning to fully penetrate the meat. Fiesta That by The Flat Top King brings a vibrant, south-of-the-border punch—savory, slightly smoky, and packed with just enough kick to set the tone for a proper fiesta.

Once the pork is pulled, the magic really happens. The meat is tossed in Carnitas Grill & Wing Squeeze by Terrapin Ridge Farms, blended with chicken broth and apple cider vinegar to create a bright, savory coating that mimics the classic citrusy depth of traditional carnitas. This step keeps the pork juicy while layering in tangy, crave-worthy flavor that balances the richness of the smoked shoulder. A splash of fresh lime juice at the end takes it over the top, adding freshness and zip.

To finish, the pork is crisped over high heat on a griddle or grill, creating caramelized edges and irresistible texture that rivals your favorite street taco spot. The result is smoky, saucy, and perfectly crispy carnitas that shine in warm tortillas, loaded bowls, or piled high on nachos and fries. It’s a versatile, crowd-feeding recipe that captures the bold spirit of Flavor Fiesta—perfect for backyard parties, game days, or anytime you want BBQ with a festive twist. 🌮🔥

Carnitas-Style Smoked Pork Shoulder

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Category

Smoker

Cuisine

Latin BBQ

Servings

8-10

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

8-10 hours

QThis slow-smoked pork shoulder is seasoned boldly, cooked until fall-apart tender, then tossed in a bright, savory carnitas-style sauce and crisped over high heat for irresistible texture and street-food–worthy flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp Fiesta That by The Flat Top King

• 1 Cup Carnitas Grill & Wing Squeeze by Terrapin Ridge Farms

• 7–9 lb Pork Shoulder (bone-in preferred)

• Yellow Mustard (binder)

• 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth

• 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

• Optional: Fresh Lime Juice (to taste after pulling)

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Directions

1. Lightly coat the pork shoulder with yellow mustard to help the seasoning adhere. Season generously on all sides with Fiesta That by The Flat Top King, pressing it into the meat.

2. Preheat your grill or smoker to 250°F. Place pork shoulder on the smoker and cook for 8–10 hours, until internal temperature reaches 195–203°F and the meat is tender.

3. After resting, pull pork into large chunks or shreds. In a large bowl, mix Carnitas Grill & Wing Squeeze, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar, then toss with the pulled pork until evenly coated. Finish with fresh lime juice if desired.

4. For authentic carnitas texture, spread pulled pork onto a hot griddle or grill over high heat. Cook until the edges crisp and caramelize, stirring occasionally.

Recipe Note

Pro Tips: Pile the carnitas into warm tortillas with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for classic street-style tacos, or serve it over rice or roasted potatoes for an easy, hearty bowl. Leftovers are perfect for quesadillas, nachos, or loaded fries—just re-crisp and enjoy.