Ever dreamt of bringing the fiesta flavors of Mexico right into your home kitchen without breaking a sweat? This easy slow cooker pork carnitas recipe is your ticket to a delicious, effortless meal that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. With minimal prep work, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, delivering tender, flavorful pork that's perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served with rice and beans. Let's dive into how you can make this at home.
Ingredients List
Before you start, gather these ingredients:
- Pork shoulder or butt: 3-4 pounds, trimmed of excess fat
- Onion: 1 large, roughly chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Orange: 1, juiced (about ¼ cup of juice)
- Lime: 2, juiced (about ¼ cup of juice)
- Chipotle in Adobo: 2 peppers, chopped, with some of the sauce
- Cumin: 2 teaspoons
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Kosher Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Ground Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 1 cup
- Cilantro: for garnish, chopped
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Preparation
- Cut the pork into large chunks, about 2-3 inches each. This helps in seasoning and cooking evenly.
- Rub the pork chunks with salt and pepper.
- Layer the bottom of the slow cooker with chopped onions and minced garlic.
- Place the pork over the onions and garlic.
Cooking
- In a bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, and paprika. Pour this mixture over the pork.
- Add the broth to ensure there’s enough liquid for cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 5-6 hours until the pork is tender enough to be shredded.
Shredding
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork right in the slow cooker. The pork should fall apart effortlessly.
- Stir in some of the cooking liquid to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Broiling (Optional)
For an extra texture and caramelization:
- Preheat your oven to broil.
- Transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Spread the pork out in an even layer and broil for about 3-5 minutes or until you get some crispy edges.
⚠️ Note: Keep a close eye on the pork under the broiler to prevent it from burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pork carnitas with:
- Warm corn or flour tortillas
- Assorted toppings: salsa, guacamole, chopped onion, lime wedges, and cilantro
- Side dishes like Mexican rice or refried beans
| Dish Type | Serving Ideas |
|---|---|
| Tacos | Top with fresh salsa, pickled onions, and a squeeze of lime. |
| Burrito | Stuff with carnitas, cheese, rice, beans, and top with sour cream. |
| Salad | Place carnitas on a bed of greens, with avocado, corn, and a creamy dressing. |
This slow cooker pork carnitas recipe promises a burst of flavors with minimal effort. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just cooking for yourself, this dish will surely impress. The tender, juicy pork with its perfect seasoning makes for an unforgettable meal. Remember, the key to excellent carnitas is low and slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
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While pork shoulder or butt is ideal for carnitas due to its fat content and texture, you can also use pork loin, though the result will be less tender. Adjust cooking time accordingly as pork loin cooks faster.
Can I prepare carnitas in advance?
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Yes! Carnitas taste better as leftovers. You can prepare the carnitas a day or two in advance, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve. In fact, this often improves the flavor profile.
Is it necessary to broil the carnitas?
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Broiling is optional but recommended for a bit of crispiness on the edges. If you prefer your carnitas softer, you can skip this step.
