Best Carnitas (Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

User Reviews

5.0

345 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    8 hrs

  • Total Time

    8 hrs 10 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    227 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Best Carnitas (Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

Create the most juicy and tender carnitas right in your crockpot. Then broil it in the oven for the perfect crispy, golden edges. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 4 pound boneless pork shoulder or butt
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Jalapeno pepper deseeded and finely diced
  • 1 orange juiced
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Instructions

How to Make Carnitas

  1. Mix the seasoning. In a small bowl stir together the oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, and chili powder.
  2. Season the pork. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder (but remember that some fat is good), then rub the spice mixture generously around the entire pork shoulder and place in the slow cooker.
  3. Add ingredients. Add the onion, minced garlic, jalapeno pepper, and orange juice to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 5 to 6 hours (until the meat falls apart).
  4. Shred the pork. Remove the pork from the slow cooker to a large cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat. If the meat doesn't shred easily, just place it back in the slow cooker for another 30 minutes, or until it does shred easily. Don't get rid of the liquid as you will be using it later.

To Crisp In The Oven (Optional)

  1. Pour liquid on top. Place the shredded pork on a baking sheet. Pour 1 cup of the reserved slow cooker liquid over the pork to keep it moist and tender.
  2. Crisp it up. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes or until the meat becomes golden browned and crispy on the edges.
Equipments used:

Notes

  • Getting the pork shoulder out of the slow cooker after it's cooked can be a little difficult, given that it's so tender and will likely fall apart. I recommend using a spatula underneath to support it when removing.
  • To store leftovers in the fridge: Place the shredded pork in a sealed container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
  • To freeze and enjoy in the future: Store the pork in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. 

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 227kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 28g (56%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Cholesterol 93mg (31%) Sodium 406mg (17%) Potassium 565mg (16%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 234IU (5%) Vitamin C 13mg (14%) Calcium 51mg (5%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 227 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 227kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 28g 56%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 93mg 31%
Sodium 406mg 17%
Potassium 565mg 12%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 234IU 5%
Vitamin C 13mg 14%
Calcium 51mg 5%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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