Carnitas substitutes

Carnitas is the traditional name in Mexico. Elsewhere, butchers sell the same piece — or a close cousin — under a different name.

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Substitutes for Carnitas that can be delivered rather than hunted down at a counter.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Approximate

Bone-in fresh ham

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The leg is the leaner half of a traditional carnitas mix; used alone it needs more fat added to the pot.

Boston butt is the classic carnitas cut — the fat content is what lets it confit in lard without drying.

Picnic shoulder is the other traditional carnitas cut, often used alongside or instead of the butt.