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Dr. Pepper Carnitas (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
Dr. Pepper Carnitas is a sweet variation on authentic preparations that can be prepared in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot using the Slow Cook setting, then finishing in a hot pan to achieve tender-crisp results.
Prep Time
10 mins
Approximate slow cooking time
8 hrs
Total Time
8 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 188 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients
- 3-3 ½ pound pork shoulder (pork butt)
- 1 12 ounce can Dr. Pepper
- 3-4 jalapeños
- 1 large onion
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 ½ tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 1 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease or olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the jalapeno and onion into strips - you don’t need to be perfect here. Remove the papery exterior from each garlic clove and cut it in half. Add jalapeno, onion, and garlic to Slow Cooker or Instant Pot.
- Combine cumin, oregano, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to a bowl and mix to combine.
- Coat the pork shoulder (pork butt) with the seasoning mixture. Coat it over the SlowCooker or Instant Pot so stray seasonings fall into the vessel.
- Add the pork shoulder, then add the entire 12 ounce can of Dr. Pepper. Put the lid on the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot. In a slow cooker, cook on high for around 6 hours, or on low for around 8 hours. In an Instant Pot, Slow Cook on NORMAL for 8 hours and HIGH for 7 ½ hours.
- Remove the lid once the cooking time is up. Shred the pork in the liquid before removing it. Fish out the shredded pork and put in a sieve or spider to remove excess liquid.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of bacon grease or oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once heated, arrange shredded pork in an even layer in the pan and cook, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes. Using tongs, flip the pork. It should appear golden brown and crispy. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve hot! These Dr. Pepper Carnitas make fantastic tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
188kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
4g
(1%)
Protein
20g
(40%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Cholesterol
68mg
(23%)
Sodium
326mg
(14%)
Potassium
420mg
(12%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
319IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
50mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 188
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 188kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 68mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 326mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 420mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 319IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.