Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe (Crispy Mexican Pork Carnitas Tacos)
User Reviews
4.9
16 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
10
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Calories
232 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe (Crispy Mexican Pork Carnitas Tacos)
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I've been making this slow cooker carnitas recipe for years - it always make the best pork carnitas tacos, with so tender pulled pork seared until crispy.
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Ingredients
For the Slow Cooker Carnitas
- 5 pounds pork shoulder pork butt (4-6 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional - I enjoy guajillo and ancho)
- 2 teaspoons cumin freshly ground
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 tablespoons lard (or use vegetable oil)
- 1 onion chopped, small
- 1 jalapeno pepper chopped (optional, for spicy)
- 5 cloves garlic chopped
- 1-1/2 cups chicken broth (or use beer, orange juice, or a mix)
FOR CRISPY CARNITAS
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or use lard)
- jalapeño peppers chopped, roasted, warmed, or any favorite toppings
- onion
- cilantro
- corn tortillas
Instructions
- Trim the pork shoulder of excess fat.
- Season the pork shoulder with the spices – chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Be sure to really really rub it into the meat.
- Heat the lard or oil in a cast iron pan to medium-high. Sear the pork shoulder on each side for 3-4 minutes to form a brown crust.
- Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker or crock pot.
- Add onion and jalapeno (if using) to the pan. Cook 3-4minutes to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook 1 minute, until the garlic blooms.
- Add ½ cup chicken broth to the pan to deglaze. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add the remaining chicken broth and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.
- Remove the pork and shred it with forks in a large bowl. Keep the liquid in the slow cooker – skim the fat, if desired.
- You can return the pork to the slow cooker with the liquid and serve this way, or you can crisp them up for crispy pork carnitas.
TO ASSEMBLE THE CARNITAS – CANTINA STYLE
- Heat a pan to medium heat and add the oil or lard. Add the shredded pork to the pan and press with a spatula. Cook until the bottom of the pork become crispy, just a couple minutes.
- Spoon some of the reserved juices over the pork and serve it on warmed tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
232kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
3g
(1%)
Protein
28g
(56%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Cholesterol
93mg
(31%)
Sodium
589mg
(25%)
Potassium
545mg
(12%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
422IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
47mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 232 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 232kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 589mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 545mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 422IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 47mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
16 reviews
Excellent
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