Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
8 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
8 hrs 40 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Course
Main Course
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Description
The Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas recipe involves rubbing a pork shoulder with a blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Garlic, onions, orange juice, and lime juice accompany the pork in a slow cooker, where it cooks over several hours until tender. After shredding, the meat is returned to the juices and kept warm before being broiled to create crisp, caramelized edges. The combination of spices and acidity from the juices balances the rich pork, producing meat that is both succulent and flavorful.
The slow cooking yields a tender, juicy interior while the final broil adds texture contrast by crisping the meat’s exterior. This makes the carnitas suitable for serving in tortillas or alongside rice and beans. The citrus juices brighten the overall flavor profile and help tenderize the meat during cooking.
The recipe’s straightforward approach emphasizes flavor layering through seasoning and slow cooking, culminating in a dish that combines tenderness with a satisfyingly crispy finish. Because the carnitas hold well in their juices and keep warm, they are convenient for making ahead or keeping at serving temperature during gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 2 teaspoons oregano dried
- 2 teaspoons salt or more, to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 4 pound pork shoulder excess fat trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 onion quartered
- ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Season pork shoulder with spice mixture, rubbing in thoroughly on all sides.
- Place garlic, onions, orange juice, lime juice and seasoned pork shoulder into a 6-qt slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Remove pork shoulder from the slow cooker and shred the meat before returning to the pot with the juices; season with salt and pepper, to taste, if needed. Cover and keep warm for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to broil. Place carnitas onto a baking sheet and broil until crisp and crusted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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