Best Slow Cooker Traditional Mexican Pork Carnitas Recipe
Slow cooker tender and delicious with a nice crispy finish! You will love these authentic Mexican pork carnitas! Super easy to make in the slow cooker and then crisp up in the oven.
Print
Pin
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 301kcal
Ingredients
- 6 lb pork shoulder or butt
- 1 onion medium, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp oregano dried
- 3 tsp cumin ground
- ½ tsp black pepper ground
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon ground
- 2 limes sliced sliced with rind removed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a small bowl place oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, chili powder,and cinnamon, then mix thoroughly.
- Put the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and add the onion, garlic, limes, bay leaves, water and spice mixture.
- Cover and cook for 6 hours on high. Flip over every couple hours in the slow cooker. Check after 5 hours or so and cook until it separates easily with a fork.
- Heat oven on broiler.
- Move meat to a large cutting board and using two forks begin the shred the meat.
- Place the meat in a single layer on a baking tray, and broil for about 5 minutes.
- Serve with flour or corn tortillas, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and hot sauce.
Notes
Pork: Remove the skin on the pork shoulder and some of the fat but leave some fat to help retain the juices. Excess fat can be discarded later.
Dutch Oven: Follow all the instructions above and cover the pot with foil and put the lid on top. Place in a 300°F oven for 6 hours. Flip every couple hours and check the meat for tenderness. Add more water if needed to prevent it drying out. Instant Pot or pressure cooker: Cook on high for 90 minutes. Keep pressure valve in the seal position to release pressure naturally. FAQs:
Dutch Oven: Follow all the instructions above and cover the pot with foil and put the lid on top. Place in a 300°F oven for 6 hours. Flip every couple hours and check the meat for tenderness. Add more water if needed to prevent it drying out. Instant Pot or pressure cooker: Cook on high for 90 minutes. Keep pressure valve in the seal position to release pressure naturally. FAQs:
Can I freeze the pork carnitas for later use?
Yes, set aside and portion the amount you want to freeze before you get it crispy under the broiler. Allow the pork to completely cool and store in air tight freezer containers for 1-2 months. If you vacuum pack it will last over 12 months.
How long will the pork last in the refrigerator for leftovers?
If properly stored in airtight containers the pork should be used in 3-4 days.
What else can I make with the pork carnitas?
Our favorite dishes to make are tacos with lettuce, cilantro, tomato and onion. You can also make quesadillas, tostadas and burritos with your choice of fillings.
How do I adjust the recipe up or down?
You can simply click on the number right next to: Servings: Change to adjust. Increase or decrease this number to your desired number of servings.
What do they taste like?
They are tangy and savory because they're made with garlic, olive oil, and citrus flavors.
Nutrition
Calories: 301kcal | Protein: 19g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 338mg | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 1.2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1.2mg