Carnitas Crockpot: 6 Steps to Flavorful Perfection

Carnitas Crockpot has become my go-to recipe for effortless weeknight meals. This mouthwatering Mexican dish is not only comforting but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create tender, flavorful carnitas that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying it with rice, this recipe will deliver a taste of authenticity right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Carnitas Crockpot

There are many reasons to adore this pork carnitas recipe. First, it is a true time-saver, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. Second, the slow cooker ensures that the pork is incredibly tender and easy to shred. Third, the combination of orange juice and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that is unmatched. Fourth, you can customize the heat level with different chili powders, making it perfect for everyone. Fifth, this recipe is gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Lastly, leftovers can be easily stored and reheated, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. With easy carnitas in a crockpot, you can enjoy authentic flavors without the hassle.

Ingredients for Carnitas Crockpot

Gather these items:

• 3 pounds Pork Shoulder (Avoid using pork loin as it may yield a drier result.)
• 1 cup Orange Juice (Freshly squeezed is best for optimal flavor.)
• 1/4 cup Lime Juice (Replace with lemon juice if necessary.)
• 4 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic delivers the best punch.)
• 1 large Chopped Onion (Shallots can be used as an alternative.)
• 2 teaspoons Cumin (Always use ground and adjust to your taste.)
• 1 teaspoon Oregano (Opt for Mexican oregano for more authenticity.)
• 2 tablespoons Chili Powder (Customize based on your spice preference.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust measurement to taste.)
• 1 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust measurement to taste.)
• 2 leaves Bay Leaves (Remember to discard before serving.)

How to Make Carnitas Crockpot Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, then cut it into large chunks for even cooking.
2. Step 2: Place the pork chunks into the slow cooker with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaves, then stir gently.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
4. Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it, discarding any excess fat.
5. Step 5: For crispy pork, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for 5-8 minutes.
6. Step 6: Serve your carnitas with cooking liquid over the pork in corn tortillas or burrito bowls.

Pro Tips for the Best Carnitas Crockpot

Keep these in mind:

• For a more flavorful experience, marinate the pork overnight.
• Use a good quality slow cooker for even cooking.
• Experiment with different spices to find your preferred flavor.
• Don’t skip the broiling step if you want crispy edges on your carnitas.
• Consider adding jalapeños for a spicy carnitas slow cooker recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Carnitas Crockpot

There are numerous delicious ways to enjoy your crockpot pulled pork. One of my favorites is to fill warm corn tortillas with the tender meat, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. Alternatively, you can serve it over rice or in burrito bowls, layered with beans, avocado, and salsa for a hearty meal.

How to Store and Reheat Carnitas Crockpot

To store leftovers, place the carnitas in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of the reserved cooking liquid to maintain moisture. This recipe is ideal for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnitas Crockpot

What’s the secret to perfect Carnitas Crockpot?

The secret lies in using pork shoulder and cooking it low and slow, allowing the meat to absorb all the flavors from the spices and juices. This is the key to achieving tender carnitas cooked in a crockpot.

Can I make Carnitas Crockpot ahead of time?

Absolutely! This authentic carnitas in slow cooker recipe is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare the carnitas and store them in the fridge for easy reheating later in the week.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Carnitas Crockpot?

To avoid common mistakes, don’t rush the cooking process. Make sure to cook the pork until it’s tender enough to shred easily. Also, avoid using lean cuts of pork, as they won’t yield the same flavor and texture.

Variations of Carnitas Crockpot You Can Try

There are plenty of ways to customize your Mexican carnitas made in a crockpot. Try adding citrus zest for extra flavor, or swap in different spices like smoked paprika. For a healthier option, use a leaner cut of meat or add vegetables right into the slow cooker for a complete meal.

For more delicious recipes, check out this easy avocado toast recipe or homemade tomato sauce. You can also explore spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal option.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Carnitas Crockpot recipe!

Carnitas Crockpot: 6 Steps to Flavorful Perfection

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Mouthwatering Carnitas Crockpot for Effortless Weeknight Meals

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 480 minutes
• Total Time: 495 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds Pork Shoulder (Avoid using pork loin as it may yield a drier result.)
• 1 cup Orange Juice (Freshly squeezed is best for optimal flavor.)
• 1/4 cup Lime Juice (Replace with lemon juice if necessary.)
• 4 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic delivers the best punch.)
• 1 large Chopped Onion (Shallots can be used as an alternative.)
• 2 teaspoons Cumin (Always use ground and adjust to your taste.)
• 1 teaspoon Oregano (Opt for Mexican oregano for more authenticity.)
• 2 tablespoons Chili Powder (Customize based on your spice preference.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust measurement to taste.)
• 1 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust measurement to taste.)
• 2 leaves Bay Leaves (Remember to discard before serving.)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, then cut it into large chunks for even cooking.
2. Place the pork chunks into the slow cooker with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaves, then stir gently.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it, discarding any excess fat.
5. For crispy pork, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for 5-8 minutes.
6. Serve your carnitas with cooking liquid over the pork in corn tortillas or burrito bowls.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg