This Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas recipe is a game-changer! Just throw some pork, spices, and citrus in your slow cooker, and you’ll have tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos or burritos.
You can almost hear the tacos calling your name! I love to pile on fresh toppings like avocado and salsa—makes every bite feel like a fiesta. 🎉 Plus, it’s super easy to clean up afterward!
Making this carnitas is so simple; just set it and forget it! I enjoy having some leftovers for lunch. Trust me, nothing beats a tasty taco with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is ideal for carnitas because it becomes tender and juicy when cooked slowly. For a leaner option, you can use pork loin, but it won’t be as flavorful or tender. You could also use chicken thighs for a lighter take.
Onion: Yellow onions work best here due to their sweetness when cooked. If you don’t have onions, shallots can also add a mild flavor. Red onions will do in a pinch but may add a sharper taste.
Spices: Ground cumin and oregano are classic for carnitas. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works; just know you’ll miss that smoky touch. Feel free to add some chili powder for extra heat!
Citrus Juices: Lime juice is a must for that zesty flavor, but you can swap in lemon juice if you’re out of limes. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice will work, but always opt for 100% juice for the best flavor.
How Do I Get the Pork to Shred Easily?
The key to perfectly shredding your pork is to cook it until it’s tender enough for a fork to pull it apart effortlessly. Here’s how to do that:
- Start by trimming excess fat, but leave enough for flavor.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-7 hours. Low and slow is best!
- Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before shredding. This helps retain juiciness.
- Use two forks to pull apart the meat gently.
- If you prefer a crispy texture, broil the shredded pork briefly in the oven.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carnitas:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 orange, juiced (or 1/4 cup orange juice)
- 2 bay leaves
For Serving (Optional):
- Tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks for 8-10 hours on low heat or 5-7 hours on high heat. Just set it and forget it while your delicious carnitas simmer in the crockpot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder if you prefer. You can cut the meat into large chunks if it doesn’t fit well in your crockpot. This helps it cook evenly and reduces cooking time a bit.
2. Make the Spice Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to rub this spice mix all over the pork, making sure it’s well coated. The spices will give your carnitas amazing flavor!
3. Assemble in the Crockpot:
Place the quartered onion at the bottom of the crockpot. Then, arrange the seasoned pork shoulder right on top of the onion. This will help infuse the pork with delicious onion flavor as it cooks.
4. Add Juices and Bay Leaves:
Pour the fresh lime juice and orange juice over the seasoned pork. Toss in the bay leaves on top. These will add extra depth to the flavor of your carnitas.
5. Slow Cook the Pork:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and let it cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 5-7 hours. It’s ready when the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork, so try not to peek too often!
6. Shred the Pork:
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the crockpot and let it cool for a few minutes. Discard the bay leaves and any large pieces of fat. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. You can return the shredded pork to the crockpot to soak up more juices if you like.
7. Optional Crispy Finish:
If you want your carnitas to be crispy, spread the shredded pork evenly on a baking sheet. Broil in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until the edges are nice and crispy. This adds a delightful texture!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Warm up some tortillas and fill them with your delicious carnitas. Top with lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado as desired. Enjoy the tasty, hearty meal you’ve prepared!
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your flavorful Crockpot Pork Carnitas! Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is the traditional choice for carnitas due to its rich fat content and tenderness, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner and may require less cooking time, so adjust accordingly to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, jalapeños, or even diced tomatoes for extra flavor. Just toss them in with the onion at the bottom of the crockpot. Keep in mind that adding more vegetables may change the cooking time slightly, so check for tenderness.
How to Store Leftover Carnitas?
Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months! To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you want an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. You can also serve the carnitas with hot salsa or chili flakes for those who prefer more heat!
