Step 1

Chop the meat into 1-in pieces and place in a plastic bag, season with salt if needed (carnitas are already salted), or wrap the meat with a cheesecloth very tightly.

Step 2

Using a rubber band, kitchen twine, or a twist tie, tie the bag or cheesecloth close.

Step 3

Press the bag into a saucepan or glass pan to give it the cylindrical shape. Make sure the meat is pressed down tightly.

Step 4

Place a plate over it and top with a heavy object to apply pressure (cans of soup work great for this purpose).

Step 5

Leave the meat to compress overnight, and then remove the bag from the saucepan and refrigerate.

Step 6

Now, they are ready to be enjoyed cooked with green salsa, guajillo salsa, and the like, or even stuffed in some gorditas.