Craving authentic Mexican flavors without the fuss? Look no further than this unbelievably easy Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe! Imagine tender, juicy pulled pork, infused with citrus and spices, that practically melts in your mouth. Carnitas, meaning ‘little meats’ in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish originating from Michoacán. Traditionally, it involves braising or simmering pork in lard until incredibly tender. But with a slow cooker, you can achieve the same amazing results with minimal effort. This recipe delivers all the rich, savory goodness of traditional carnitas, but without the hours of babysitting a stovetop. Get ready to experience the best slow cooker carnitas you’ve ever had – perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or even enjoyed on its own!
Recipe Overview
Before we dive into the mouthwatering details, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high |
| Servings | 8-10 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per serving (approximate)
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-450 kcal |
| Protein | 30-40g |
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Carbohydrates | 5-10g |
Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Carnitas
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these are pantry staples!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt), about 3-4 pounds | 1 |
| Orange, juiced | 1 large |
| Lime, juiced | 1 large |
| Onion, quartered | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Dried Oregano | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons (or to taste) |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Bay Leaves | 2 |
| Optional: Jalapeño, seeded and minced | 1 (for added heat) |
Cooking Instructions
Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps to create the most succulent slow cooker carnitas imaginable.
- Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better later. Cut the pork into large, 3-4 inch chunks. This allows the flavors to penetrate more easily and ensures even cooking.
- Combine the Spices: In a small bowl, mix together the dried oregano, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using jalapeño, add it to the spice mixture now.
- Season the Pork: Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork chunks, ensuring every piece is well coated. This is where the magic happens – these spices are the foundation of the carnitas flavor!
- Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the quartered onion at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will act as a base and prevent the pork from sticking. Place the seasoned pork chunks on top of the onion.
- Add the Liquids and Aromatics: Pour the orange juice and lime juice over the pork. Add the minced garlic and bay leaves. The citrus will tenderize the pork and infuse it with a bright, zesty flavor.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork is ready when it’s easily shredded with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaves and any large pieces of onion.
- The Secret to Crispy Carnitas (Optional but Recommended!): This step takes the carnitas to the next level! Preheat your oven broiler to high. Spread the shredded pork in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle some of the juices from the slow cooker over the pork. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Serve and Enjoy: Your slow cooker carnitas are now ready to be devoured! Serve them in tacos, burritos, salads, or simply enjoy them on their own with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving your delicious slow cooker carnitas! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Tacos: Warm corn or flour tortillas, carnitas, chopped onion, cilantro, salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime. Classic and always a crowd-pleaser!
- Burritos: Large flour tortillas filled with carnitas, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, and your favorite salsa. A hearty and satisfying meal.
- Salad Bowls: A bed of lettuce topped with carnitas, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and a cilantro-lime dressing. A lighter and healthier option.
- Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with carnitas, melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole. Perfect for sharing!
- Carnitas Plates: Serve the carnitas with a side of rice, beans, and tortillas. A complete and traditional Mexican meal.
Tips and Notes for Perfect Slow Cooker Carnitas
Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure your slow cooker carnitas are a resounding success:
- Don’t skip the searing step: While this recipe is designed to be easy, searing the pork before slow cooking can add an extra layer of flavor. However, it’s not essential.
- Adjust the spices to your liking: Feel free to add more or less chili powder, cumin, or jalapeño to suit your personal taste.
- Use a leaner cut of pork: While pork shoulder is the traditional cut for carnitas, you can use a leaner cut like pork loin or tenderloin if you prefer. However, keep in mind that leaner cuts may require less cooking time.
- Don’t overcook the pork: Overcooked pork will be dry and stringy. The pork is ready when it’s easily shredded with a fork.
- Crisp it up! Broiling the shredded pork is the key to achieving that authentic carnitas texture. Don’t skip this step! If you don’t want to broil, you can pan-fry the shredded pork in a little bit of oil until crispy.
- Store leftovers properly: Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze for later: Carnitas freeze well! Store in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Don’t discard the cooking liquid! The cooking liquid is full of flavor. Use it to moisten the pork before broiling, or save it to make a flavorful broth for soups or stews.
This Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe is a guaranteed winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the best Mexican pulled pork you’ve ever tasted! Enjoy!
This recipe for slow cooker carnitas provides a simple and accessible way to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors. The process of slow cooking the pork shoulder ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with the rich blend of spices, citrus, and aromatics. The key to achieving the signature crispy texture of carnitas is the final step of broiling or pan-frying the shredded pork. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving a taste of Mexico, this recipe delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Remember to adjust the spice levels to your preference, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and serving suggestions to create your own unique carnitas masterpiece. The versatility of this dish allows you to enjoy it in tacos, burritos, salads, or as a standalone main course. With a little preparation and a few hours of slow cooking, you can transform a simple cut of pork into a culinary delight that will impress your friends and family. The slow cooker method not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures that the pork remains moist and tender, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
One of the best things about this slow cooker carnitas recipe is its adaptability. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences. For example, if you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use pork loin or tenderloin instead of pork shoulder. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe. And if you’re a fan of spicy food, you can add extra jalapeños or chili powder to give the carnitas a fiery kick. The beauty of cooking at home is that you have complete control over the ingredients and the final outcome. So don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. With a little creativity, you can create a dish that perfectly reflects your personal taste and style.
In addition to its delicious flavor and versatility, this slow cooker carnitas recipe is also a great option for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch of carnitas on the weekend and then use it in various meals throughout the week. For example, you can make carnitas tacos one night, carnitas burritos another night, and carnitas salad bowls on yet another night. This not only saves you time and effort but also ensures that you always have a healthy and satisfying meal on hand. And because carnitas freeze well, you can even make a double batch and freeze half for later use. This is a great way to stock up on healthy and delicious meals that you can enjoy whenever you want.
The key to successful slow cooker carnitas is to use high-quality ingredients and to follow the recipe carefully. Be sure to use fresh citrus fruits, flavorful spices, and a good cut of pork. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and serving suggestions to create your own unique carnitas experience. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make perfect slow cooker carnitas every time. So go ahead and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
