5 from 54 votes
Keto Pork Carnitas
Pork Carnitas combines tender pork butt with a blend of cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion powders, slowly cooked in a mixture of chicken broth, water, lime, and orange juice until the pork shreds easily. The slow cooking method results in juicy, flavorful meat that is optionally broiled for a crispy finish. The recipe includes an optional jalapeño for mild heat and suggestions for using bone-in pork for better texture.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
6 hrs
Total Time
6 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
245 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork butt or pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 jalapeño optional, chopped
Instructions
- This is the slow cooker pork carnitas version. For an Instant Pot, see above.
- First, pat pork dry with paper towels. Combine spices in a small bowl. Rub spice mix all over pork.
- Add pork and remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Once pork is tender, discard all but ½ cup of the liquid. Shred pork with two forks. Discard bone(s).
- Optional but highly recommended: preheat oven to broil. Add shredded pork and about ½ cup of the liquid to a baking sheet. Broil for 4 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and serve.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- The recipe instructions focus on slow cooker preparation; Instant Pot versions exist but are separate.
- Bone-in pork shoulder or butt retains moisture better and enhances flavor.
- Broiling the shredded pork briefly with cooking liquid crisps the edges for added texture; monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Discard bones before serving to ensure ease of eating.
Nutrition Information
Calories
245kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
4g
(1%)
Protein
33g
(66%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
102mg
(34%)
Sodium
331mg
(14%)
Potassium
697mg
(15%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
67IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
10mg
(11%)
Calcium
48mg
(5%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 245
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 245kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 102mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 331mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 697mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 67IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.