Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the mouthwatering flavors of Pork Carnitas! This slow cooker recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible Mexican feast that will have everyone asking for seconds. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the magic of low-and-slow cooking, you'll create tender, juicy pork that shreds effortlessly and bursts with flavor. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as you prepare this dish—your family and friends won’t be able to resist diving into a plateful of these delicious carnitas! Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into large 2-3 inch chunks, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a dry spice rub.
- Coat each piece of pork thoroughly with the spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place quartered onion at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the meat.
- Arrange seasoned pork pieces over the onions in a single layer.
- Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the pork.
- Pour orange juice around the meat, which will help tenderize and add subtle citrus flavor.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 8 hours until meat is extremely tender and easily shreds.
- Once cooking is complete, remove pork and shred using two forks, discarding any large fat pieces.
- Optional: For crispy edges, spread shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until edges become crisp.
- Serve hot with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for pork shoulder, as it has the perfect amount of fat for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the spice rub! Make sure to coat the pork evenly for maximum flavor.
- Layer Wisely: Placing the onions at the bottom of the slow cooker not only adds flavor but also prevents the pork from sticking.
- Add Citrus: The orange juice not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a delightful hint of sweetness. Fresh squeezed juice works best!
- Broil for Crunch: If you love a bit of texture, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes to get those crispy edges.
- Serve with Fresh Toppings: Enhance the dish with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
- Make Ahead: Pork carnitas are great for meal prep! Cook a batch and store leftovers in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 321kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
