Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
5 hrs
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Total Time
5 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
12 People
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Calories
153 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Mexican
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Description
In this recipe, a 4-pound pork shoulder roast is rubbed thoroughly with chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to establish savory seasoning. The pork is placed in a slow cooker with a mixture of orange and lime juice, minced garlic, and quartered onion. Cooking low for eight hours (or high for 4-5 hours) breaks down the meat into tender, shreddable pieces infused with citrus and spice notes.
After slow cooking, the pork is shredded and returned to the slow cooker to reheat and absorb juices. For textural contrast, the shredded pork is transferred to a baking sheet and broiled briefly, producing browned, crispy edges while maintaining moistness inside. This combination of tender and crisp textures enhances the carnitas' appeal.
These pork carnitas work well as fillings for tacos, burritos, or served alongside rice and beans. The citrus components add brightness balancing the savory spices.
The recipe has been updated to improve clarity and ease since its original post in 2015.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder roast
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup orange juice 2 oranges
- 1/4 cup lime juice 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion quartered
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub on the outside of the pork shoulder rub thoroughly.
- In the slow cooker, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic and onion. Place pork on the top. Cook on low for 8 hours or high 4-5 hours.
- Remove roast from slow cooker and shred. Return to slow cooker and heat for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a baking sheet. Broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes to brown the edges of the pork.
Notes
- Cooking on low for 8 hours typically produces tender meat; adjust time if using different slow cooker sizes.
- Broil shredded pork for 3-4 minutes to achieve desired crispness on edges without drying the meat.
- This recipe was updated in August 2021 to clarify steps and ingredient use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12People
Amount Per Serving
Calories 153 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 153kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 276mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 385mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 234IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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