This homemade carnitas seasoning is an easy spice blend made with cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic, onion, coriander, salt, and pepper, to make Mexican carnitas. It adds bold Mexican-inspired flavor to pork shoulder for carnitas tacos, burritos, quesadillas, mulitas, tortas, and more.

Once you make this dry rub mix at home, you’ll never need a grocery store spice packet again. It works as a dry brine, a carnitas marinade, or an all-purpose Mexican seasoning for pork, chicken, vegetables, soups, and ground beef.

What Is Carnitas Seasoning?

Carnitas seasoning is a flavorful spice blend used to season pork shoulder or pork butt when making traditional carnitas. It usually includes warm, earthy spices like cumin and coriander, savory seasonings like garlic and onion powder, and dried herbs like Mexican oregano.

This blend is especially useful when making slow cooker carnitas or Instant Pot carnitas because pork shoulder needs plenty of seasoning to build rich, flavorful meat.

It is also a great seasoning to keep on hand for other Mexican recipes, especially taco recipes, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and roasted meats.

Dry spices to make carnitas marinade on a plate with a silver spoon.

Homemade Carnitas Seasoning Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you need to mix up a batch:

Coriander: Adds a citrusy, slightly floral flavor. Omit it if you are not a fan of cilantro-style flavors.
Chili Powder: Adds color, mild heat, and depth. Use ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder for a smokier flavor.
Mexican Oregano: Adds earthy, herbal flavor. Regular oregano can be used if you do not have Mexican oregano.
Kosher Salt: Helps season the pork deeply, especially when using this blend as a dry brine.
Cumin: Adds warm, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with pork.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and classic carnitas flavor.
Onion Powder: Balances the garlic and adds more savory flavor.
Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and rounds out the seasoning blend.

Tip: Traditional carnitas are often cooked with citrus juice. If you want to add that citrusy flavor directly to the dry rub, mix in a little dried lime peel or dried orange peel. Most home cooks do not keep those ingredients on hand, so they are optional.

What Does Carnitas Seasoning Taste Like?

This seasoning mix is savory, earthy, slightly smoky, and aromatic. The cumin, coriander, oregano, and chili powder create a classic Mexican-inspired flavor, while garlic powder and onion powder add richness.

When the seasoning is paired with orange juice, lime juice, or slow-cooked pork, it creates the bold flavor carnitas are known for without overpowering the meat.

pieces or raw meat in a clear glass bowl.

How to Use Carnitas Seasoning

This homemade seasoning blend can be used several ways depending on how you plan to cook your pork. Use it as a dry rub, turn it into a marinade, or sprinkle it into other Mexican-inspired dishes for extra flavor.

Carnitas Dry Rub

This seasoning works especially well as a carnitas dry rub because it includes kosher salt. Rub the seasoning all over pork shoulder or pork butt, then refrigerate the meat for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours before cooking.

The longer rest gives the salt and spices time to season the meat more deeply, which creates better flavor after slow cooking, pressure cooking, roasting, or braising.

Carnitas Marinade

You can also turn this carnitas seasoning recipe into a simple marinade. Combine 2 tablespoons of seasoning with 1/4 cup vegetable oil, the juice from 1 lime, and the juice from 1 orange.

Toss the marinade with pork shoulder or pork butt, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cooking. The oil helps coat the meat, while the citrus juice adds the bright flavor commonly used in carnitas recipes.

Authentic Carnitas on a baking sheet with lime wedges.

How Much Carnitas Seasoning to Use

This mix makes just under 1/4 cup of seasoning, which is enough for a pork roast up to 2 pounds.

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For larger pork roasts, double the recipe or use about 2 tablespoons of carnitas seasoning per 2 pounds of pork. If your roast is very thick, rub the seasoning evenly over all sides and let it rest before cooking for the best flavor.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chipotle chili powder. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Add more garlic: Double the garlic powder if you prefer a stronger savory flavor.
Adjust the salt: Reduce the kosher salt slightly if you are seasoning a smaller pork roast or using salty ingredients in your recipe.
Marinate before cooking: Let the meat rest with the seasoning for at least 1 hour for better flavor absorption.
Add citrus: Pair this seasoning with lime juice, orange juice, or dried citrus peel for a more traditional carnitas flavor.
Check doneness: Reference my popular pork temperature chart when cooking pork.
Store properly: Keep the seasoning in an airtight container in a dry place for up to 6 months.

Instant Pot Pork carnitas in a white serving bowl topped with lime slices.

Best Ways to Use Carnitas Seasoning

This carnitas seasoning is incredibly versatile and can be used on more than just pork. Whether you are making tacos, burritos, grilled meats, soups, or roasted vegetables, this blend adds bold Mexican-inspired flavor to a variety of dishes.

Carnitas: Use it to season pork shoulder for slow cooker carnitas, Instant Pot carnitas, or oven-braised carnitas.
Chicken: Rub it onto chicken before roasting, grilling, or pan-searing.
Soups and stews: Stir a small amount into soups, stews, or chili for a deeper flavor profile.
Vegetables: Sprinkle over roasted vegetables, potatoes, peppers, onions, or corn.
Ground beef: Mix into ground beef before cooking for tacos, burritos, or flavorful burgers.
Mulitas and tortas: Use cooked carnitas to make mulitas or a torta ahogada.

For more background on the dish, this comic-style article from the LA Times shares the history of the carnitas taco.

More Seasoning Mix Recipes

If you like making homemade spice blends, try these spice blend recipes next:

Hand holding a small bowl of carnitas seasoning with a small spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What seasoning is used for carnitas?

Carnitas seasoning usually includes cumin, Mexican oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Some recipes also include dried citrus peel, paprika, cayenne, or chipotle powder.

Can you use carnitas seasoning on chicken?

Yes, carnitas seasoning works well on chicken, beef, vegetables, soups, and ground meat in addition to pork. It adds savory Mexican-inspired flavor to many dishes.

How long does homemade carnitas seasoning last?

Homemade carnitas seasoning lasts up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For the best flavor, keep it away from heat, light, and moisture.

Is carnitas seasoning spicy?

This carnitas seasoning is flavorful but not overly spicy. To make it hotter, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or spicy chili powder.

Can carnitas seasoning be used as a marinade?

Yes, you can turn carnitas seasoning into a marinade by mixing it with oil, lime juice, and orange juice. This helps coat the pork and adds bright citrus flavor before cooking.