Slow Cooker Carnitas

If you’re searching for a dish that nails both effortless cooking and incredible flavor, Slow Cooker Carnitas are your new best friend. This recipe transforms simple pork shoulder into tender, juicy pieces packed with citrus, garlic, and aromatic spices. Slow Cooker Carnitas give you a hands-off cooking experience while delivering a mouthwatering meal perfect for tacos, bowls, or simply piled high on a platter. It’s a foolproof way to impress family and friends with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to do all the hard work for you.
• Incredible flavor: Slow cooking lets the spices and citrus penetrate deeply, creating rich, savory carnitas every time.
• Versatility: Use the carnitas for tacos, burritos, salads, or nachos — endless meal options.
• Meal prep made easy: Cook a big batch ahead to enjoy quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Wallet-friendly: Pork shoulder is affordable and becomes incredibly tender and flavorful with slow cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Carnitas lies in their simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create complex, layered flavors. Each element plays a role — from the acidity of the orange juice to the warmth of cumin — crafting an irresistible dish you’ll want again and again.

• Pork shoulder (4-5 pounds): A well-marbled cut that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
• Orange juice (1 cup): Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat gently during cooking.
• Lime juice (1/4 cup): Infuses a fresh, tangy note that balances the richness of the pork.
• Garlic cloves (4-5, minced): Delivers aromatic depth and a savory kick.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo (2-3, chopped): Adds smoky heat and a touch of spice to intensify flavor.
• Cumin (1 tablespoon): Provides warmth and earthiness for a classic Mexican profile.
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends herbal notes that enhance the overall taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
• Bay leaves (2): Impart a subtle aromatic backdrop during slow cooking.
• Onion (1 medium, sliced): Adds sweetness and texture beneath the rich pork.

Variations for Slow Cooker Carnitas

One of the best parts about Slow Cooker Carnitas is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or adjust the heat to suit your taste.

• Spicy kick: Add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne for more heat.
• Herb twist: Swap dried oregano for fresh cilantro or add a cinnamon stick for a warm undertone.
• Sweet touch: Mix in a bit of honey or brown sugar for a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky spices.
• Low sodium: Use low-sodium broth instead of water and limit added salt to keep it heart-healthy.
• Different proteins: Try this method with chicken thighs or turkey for a lighter alternative.

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How to Make Slow Cooker Carnitas

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks to fit comfortably in your slow cooker, which helps speed cooking and ensures even seasoning.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together to create a tangy, smoky marinade bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place sliced onions and bay leaves at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the pork chunks. Pour the marinade evenly over the meat, making sure every piece gets coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. Slow cooking will infuse the meat with those bold, vibrant flavors everyone loves.

Step 5: Shred and Crisp

Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. For the signature crispy carnitas texture, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, flipping once until edges are golden and crunchy.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Carnitas

• Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder has the perfect fat content to create tender, flavorful carnitas.
• Don’t skip the citrus: Orange and lime juice add brightness and help break down the meat for maximum tenderness.
• Use chipotle peppers wisely: They add smoky heat, but you can adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance.
• Broil for texture: Shredding straight from the slow cooker is delicious, but broiling brings that irresistible crispy finish.
• Save the cooking liquid: Use it as a flavorful base for rice or beans to maximize every bit of flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Carnitas

Garnishes

Garnishes are where you can personalize your Slow Cooker Carnitas experience. Try fresh cilantro, diced white onion, sliced radishes, and crumbled queso fresco. A few lime wedges on the side give a fresh squeeze that brightens up every bite.

Side Dishes

Popular side dishes to pair with carnitas include Mexican street corn, cilantro lime rice, black beans, or a vibrant cabbage slaw. These add texture and contrast, rounding out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Slow Cooker Carnitas in soft corn tortillas for a taco fiesta, pile them over a mixed greens salad for a light option, or build a hearty burrito bowl with rice and beans. Even on crispy tostadas, carnitas shine with a satisfying crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the meat moist with a little bit of the cooking liquid prevents drying out and preserves flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion carnitas into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat carnitas gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cooking liquid to keep the meat juicy, or warm in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Re-crisp in the oven or broiler if you want that fresh-out-of-the-crockpot texture again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork for Slow Cooker Carnitas?

Yes, although pork shoulder is preferred for its fat content and tenderness, pork butt or even pork picnic roast can work well for carnitas when cooked low and slow.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Carnitas?

Typically, it takes 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high for perfectly tender carnitas, but slow cookers can vary, so check tenderness with a fork.

Can I make Slow Cooker Carnitas spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.

What can I do with leftover carnitas?

Leftover carnitas are perfect for quesadillas, breakfast burritos, nachos, salads, or even as a protein-packed topping for pizzas.

Is it necessary to broil the carnitas after slow cooking?

While not required, broiling shredded carnitas adds a delightful crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat and enhances the eating experience.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Carnitas truly are a game changer in the kitchen, offering a perfect blend of flavor, ease, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals ahead, this recipe delivers juicy, tender pork with vibrant seasoning every single time. Give it a try, and you might just find your go-to comfort meal for any occasion.

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