This slow cooker pork carnitas recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth pork with citrus and spices that’s ideal for tacos, burritos, or meal prep!
We love ordering pork carnitas when we go out for Mexican food, so I decided to try making them at home using my favorite time saver: my trusty slow cooker. I’ve got quite a few Mexican mimics in the slow cooker, like my Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja and Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef. Since the slow cooker is not traditionally used, I have a few secrets for mimicking the traditional Mexican carnitas recipe at home.
Traditionally, pork carnitas are cooked in lard which results in deep fried, crunchy, meaty goodness. Since I’m not looking to pack on the pounds, I found a healthy cheat: I simply scatter the meat on a baking sheet and place it under the broiler until crispy for 2 or 3 minutes.
Ingredients
- Pork roast: I like to use a boneless pork shoulder roast for my carnitas, but you could use any pork roast.
- Herbs and spices: Cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper season the pork and add warm, earthy flavor.
- Orange & lime juice: Adds acidity that helps make the meat tender, as well as sweet and tangy flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Step 1. Start by cutting your pork roast into smaller chunks, this helps with seasoning and getting evenly cooked.
Step 2. Add the pork to the pot of your slow cooker and season with the herbs and spices.
Step 3. Then juice your orange and lime and add them to the slow cooker.
Step 4. Add the apple cider vinegar, then cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4.
Step 5. When finished cooking, use your preferred method to shred the pork.
Step 6. Preheat your oven broiler to high, then lay the shredded pork out on a baking sheet and broil until slightly crispy.
Once you’ve reached your desired crispiness, serve over rice or in warm tortillas, and enjoy your Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas!
More Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Pozole Rojo Stew
- Slow Cooker Arroz con Pollo
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
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Ingredients
Video
Equipment
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and sprinkle with salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder and oregano.
- Top with orange juice, lime juice and apple cider vinegar. Cook on High for 4 Hours or Low for 8 Hours.
- When you're ready to serve the pork, carefully shred the pork using two forks. Turn your broiler on High and place the shredded pork on a large baking sheet.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes or until pork ends get nice and crispy. You can broil a bit more depending on how crispy you like your carnitas. Serve warm over rice or in corn tortillas.
Liz’s Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Pulled pork is typically slow-cooked and tossed in a sweet or smoky BBQ sauce, while pork carnitas are seasoned with citrus and spices, then cooked until tender and often crisped before serving.
Pork carnitas are incredibly versatile! Serve them in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, rice bowls, or salads. They’re also delicious topped with pico de gallo, guacamole, pickled onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) is the best cut for shredding. It has enough fat and connective tissue to break down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, juicy, fall-apart pork every time.
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