How to make slow cooker pork carnitas

These mouthwatering slow cooker pork carnitas will bring Mexican flavors to your table. Slow-cooked to perfection, these tender and juicy carnitas will satisfy your Mexican pulled pork cravings!

How to make slow cooker pork carnitas 2 cva

You won’t believe the irresistible flavors of this slow cooker [paid link] Pork Carnitas recipe. This Mexican-inspired dish features succulent pork slow-cooked to perfection in aromatic spices.

The result is tender, juicy meat that pairs perfectly with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these flavorful carnitas are sure to impress

How to make slow cooker pork carnitas 4 cva

Ingredients

With just a handful of simple ingredients, our slow cooker pork carnitas recipe delivers big on flavor. Tender pork, aromatic spices, zesty citrus, and a hint of sweetness come together to create a mouthwatering dish that will delight your taste buds.

  • Boneless pork shoulder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Dried Mexican oregano
  • Ground cumin
  • Olive oil
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Jalapeno
  • Limes
How to make slow cooker pork carnitas 1 cva

How to make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Preparing our Crock Pot Carnitas is a breeze. Simply combine the ingredients, set it, and forget it as your slow cooker works its magic. In a few hours, you’ll be rewarded with tender, flavorful carnitas that are perfect for tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired dish.

  1. Rinse and dry the pork shoulder. Salt and pepper liberally.
  2. Mix the oregano and the cumin with olive oil and rub all over the pork.
  3. Place the pork in the slow cooker and top with the onions, garlic, and jalapeno.
  4. Pour over the top the juice of the limes. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours.
  5. Once the meat is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it apart with two forks.

Recipe tips and kitchen tricks

  1. For an extra layer of flavor, sear the pork before adding it to the slow cooker.
  2. Use a combination of orange and lime juice for a citrusy twist.
  3. Shred the meat and broil it in the oven for a few minutes to achieve crispy edges.
How to make slow cooker pork carnitas 8 cva 1

Recipe Variations

  1. Substitute pork with chicken or beef for a different twist.
  2. Add diced onions and peppers for added texture and flavor.
  3. For a spicy kick, include chipotle peppers or hot sauce in the seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve the carnitas in warm tortillas with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.
  2. Skip the tortilla and create a mouthwatering carnitas “bowl” with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.
  3. Use the carnitas as a filling for quesadillas or enchiladas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can make the carnitas a day in advance and reheat them when needed.
  2. Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely! The cooked carnitas can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
  3. Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a pressure cooker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking time and settings.
How to make slow cooker pork carnitas 5 cva

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

  1. Wine: Pair the carnitas with a fruity and medium-bodied red wine like Malbec or Zinfandel.
  2. Cocktail: Enjoy the flavors of Mexico with a classic Margarita or a refreshing Paloma cocktail.
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How to make slow cooker pork carnitas 8 cva

slow cooker pork carnitas

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
These mouthwatering slow cooker [paid link] pork carnitas will bring Mexican flavors to your table. Slow-cooked to perfection, these tender and juicy carnitas will satisfy your Mexican pulled pork cravings!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 354 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 pounds boneless pork shoulder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 onions , cut in half
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 jalapeno , seeded with ribs removed, sliced
  • 2 limes , halved and juiced

Instructions
 

  • Rinse and dry the pork shoulder. Salt and pepper liberally.
  • Mix the oregano and the cumin with olive oil and rub all over pork.
  • Place the pork in the slow cooker [paid link] and top with the onions, garlic, and jalapeno.
  • Pour over the top the juice of the limes. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours.
  • Once the meat is tender, remove from slow cooker [paid link] and shred apart with two forks.

Notes

Suggested Servings: alone, in salsa Verde, or on tortillas with a side of rice and beans.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ozCalories: 354kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 52gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 136mgSodium: 357mgPotassium: 920mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 8mgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 5µgCalcium: 38mgFolate: 6µgIron: 3mgZinc: 4mg
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