Magic Pork

These are really really good, but they take a lot of stovetop time. I usually make the effort when boneless country style ribs go on sale for less than $2/lb and I have a leisurely Sunday afternoon to spare, like today!

Have faith. For 95% of the prep time the pork looks pale and unappetizing, and then TADA! The last ten minutes magically turns it brown, caramelized, crispy, tasty and delicious...

Stovetop Carnitas

2 lbs boneless country style (pork) ribs
1 cup water
3/4 cup orange juice
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp orange or lemon zest
1/8 cup brandy

Cut pork into thirds. Add to deep skillet, along with water, OJ, garlic, zest and salt. Bring to boil then lower to simmer and cover. Simmer til tender, about 1 hr 45 min. Uncover and boil til liquid is reduced by half, about 15 min.

Stir in brandy and boil until liquid completely evaporates, about 30 min. Watch closely as once liquid is gone, meat burns easily. Once cool enough, shred into chunks, discarding super fatty parts. If they've turned cold after all the shredding, return to skillet with 1 tablespoon water to reheat and absorb delicious bits from pan.

Lousy picture, I forgot to get the camera out until we after we'd started eating