Slow Cooker Carnitas

If you’re craving mouthwatering, tender, and flavorful pork that melts in your mouth, then Slow Cooker Carnitas is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy traditional Mexican-style carnitas without spending hours over the stove. Whether you’re planning tacos, burritos, or a tasty bowl, these Slow Cooker Carnitas bring savory, juicy, and crispy pork straight to your plate with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work while you focus on other things.
• Rich, bold flavors: A perfect spice blend and citrus zing create authentic carnitas taste.
• Versatile meal: Use it in tacos, salads, burritos, or even as a hearty snack.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the tender pork that’s juicy inside and crisp outside.
• Great for meal prep: Prepare once and enjoy flavorful meals all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Carnitas lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a pivotal role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma. Fresh citrus brightens the dish, while the spices add warmth and depth.

• Pork shoulder (or pork butt): The best cut for tender, juicy carnitas with plenty of marbling.
• Orange juice: Adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the meat.
• Lime juice: Provides fresh citrus punch essential to carnitas.
• Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic depth and savory notes to the blend.
• Cumin: Warm and earthy spice that enhances pork’s natural flavor.
• Oregano: Offers herbal brightness for an authentic touch.
• Bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal nuances, elevating the slow-cooked pork.
• Salt and pepper: Simply essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
• Onion powder: Deepens the overall taste with sweet and savory essence.
• Chipotle powder or smoked paprika (optional): Adds smoky heat for a slightly spicy kick.

Variations for Slow Cooker Carnitas

Feel free to make this Slow Cooker Carnitas your own. With a few tweaks or additional ingredients, you can tailor the flavor profile to suit dietary preferences or simply try new tastes. It’s incredibly easy to customize.

• Spicy twist: Add extra chipotle powder or diced jalapeños for more heat.
• Herbaceous notes: Toss in fresh cilantro near the end of cooking for a fresh herbal lift.
• Citrus swap: Use grapefruit or pineapple juice in place of orange for a unique tang.
• Lower sodium: Use low-sodium broth instead of salt to control seasoning.
• Slow cooker alternatives: Try this recipe with a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.

How to Make Slow Cooker Carnitas

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder but keep some marbling for tenderness. Cut into large chunks to ensure even cooking and easy shredding later on.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, onion powder, chipotle or smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until all spices are well blended for a balanced marinade.

Step 3: Add Pork and Marinade to Slow Cooker

Place pork chunks in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them. Add bay leaves for extra flavor. Make sure the pork is mostly submerged for optimal cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

Step 5: Shred the Meat

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Filter the cooking liquid and reduce it slightly in a pan for a flavorful sauce to drizzle over the shredded meat if desired.

Step 6: Crisp the Carnitas (Optional)

For authentic texture, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Carnitas

• Use fresh citrus: Fresh orange and lime juice elevate the overall brightness and tenderize the meat beautifully.
• Don’t skip the broiling step: Crisping up the carnitas after slow cooking adds an irresistible texture contrast.
• Reserve the cooking liquid: Using this liquid as a sauce keeps the dish juicy and flavorful.
• Cook low and slow: Low heat allows the pork shoulder to break down perfectly, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Prepare ahead: Carnitas taste even better the next day when flavors have had time to meld.
• Use a quality cut: Pork shoulder is ideal because of its fat content and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Carnitas

Garnishes

Enhance your carnitas with fresh garnishes like diced onions, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime. These elements add freshness, crunch, and a burst of flavor that perfectly complement the savory pork.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Carnitas pair wonderfully with classic Mexican sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled corn with cotija cheese. You can also serve them atop a fresh salad for a lighter meal option.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond traditional tacos or burritos, try serving Slow Cooker Carnitas over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, inside crisp lettuce wraps, or even tossed into nachos layered with melted cheese and jalapeños for a fun appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cooked Slow Cooker Carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the meat shredded and separate from any crispy toppings will maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Carnitas freeze beautifully. Portion the meat into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat carnitas gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of reserved cooking liquid or broth to keep it moist, then broil briefly if you want to regain the crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of pork for Slow Cooker Carnitas?

While pork shoulder is preferred for its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork butt or even pork loin, though the latter may be less juicy and flavorful.

How long does it take to cook carnitas in a slow cooker?

Cooking on low heat typically takes 6 to 8 hours, while high heat can reduce the time to 3 to 4 hours, depending on your slow cooker and the size of the pork pieces.

Can I make Slow Cooker Carnitas spicy?

Absolutely! Adding chipotle powder, smoked paprika, or fresh jalapeños allows you to customize the heat level to your liking.

Do I have to crisp the carnitas after slow cooking?

Crisping the carnitas is optional but highly recommended as it adds delightful texture and flavor contrast to the tender pork.

Can I prepare carnitas ahead of time?

Yes! Carnitas taste even better when made ahead, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Simply refrigerate and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Carnitas is one of those magical recipes that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a delicious meal, this recipe is quick, adaptable, and guaranteed to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy tender, juicy carnitas any day of the week!

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