This Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas recipe is a delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful pork without much fuss. Simply toss the meat in with spices and let the slow cooker do the work!
Who doesn’t love coming home to a mouthwatering meal? I often serve these carnitas in tacos or on nachos. Trust me, they’re a hit every time! 🌮😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking. It becomes tender and flavorful over time. If you can’t find it, you can use pork butt or even chicken thighs for a lighter option.
Olive Oil: This is used to rub on the pork for a nice sear before cooking. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil or any neutral oil if needed.
Ground Spices: Cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano add wonderful flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika works too; just keep in mind it won’t have the smoky flavor. Fresh herbs can replace dried oregano if available.
Citrus: The orange and lime juice are key for brightness. If you’re short on oranges, you could use just lime juice or even lemon juice for a similar tang. Make sure to use fresh juice for the best taste!
How Do You Get the Pork to Shred Easily?
Shredding the pork is easier than you might think! The key is to cook it until it’s thoroughly tender. Here’s how:
- Cook the pork on low for 8 hours for the best result; a longer cooking time breaks down the connective tissue.
- Once cooked, let it cool slightly. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. It should shred effortlessly.
- Beware of excess fat; feel free to trim this while shredding to keep the dish lighter.
If you want a crispy texture, try broiling it after shredding. This adds a delicious crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft tortillas. Remember to watch it closely to avoid burning!
Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 orange, juiced (and the spent halves)
- 1 lime, juiced (and the spent halves)
- 2 bay leaves
For Serving:
- Optional: additional lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Tortillas
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks for 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in your crockpot. You’ll have tender, flavorful carnitas that are perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by rubbing the pork shoulder all over with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt onto the pork, making sure to coat it evenly.
2. Add Ingredients to Crockpot:
Take your chopped onion and minced garlic, and place them at the bottom of the crockpot. Now, gently place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
3. Add Citrus:
Pour the fresh orange juice all over the pork, and don’t forget to toss in the spent halves of the orange for extra flavor. Squeeze the lime juice over everything and add the spent lime halves as well. Finally, place the bay leaves around the pork for an aromatic addition.
4. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The pork should be so tender that it shreds easily with just a fork when it’s done.
5. Shred the Pork:
Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat and the bay leaves.
6. Crisp the Pork (Optional):
If you like a bit of crunch, spread the shredded pork out on a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—just until the edges are nice and crispy!
7. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your creation! Serve the carnitas warm in tortillas and garnish with extra lime wedges and chopped cilantro if you like. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat for Carnitas?
While pork shoulder is the best choice for its rich flavor and tenderness, you can also use pork loin or a combination of both. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner, so it may be less juicy, and you might want to add extra fat or cook it slightly shorter to keep it tender.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus?
If you’re out of fresh oranges or limes, you can substitute with bottled juice. Aim for 100% juice with no added sugars. Use the same measurements, but reduce any added salt slightly, as bottled juices can sometimes be more concentrated.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the carnitas as directed, then let them cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, and then use the crockpot, stovetop, or an oven to warm up until heated through.
How to Store Leftover Pork Carnitas?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the meat moist, you can add a splash of chicken broth before storing. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if necessary to prevent drying out.
