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Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas offers tender, juicy pork with perfectly crispy edges, making it an ideal dish for tacos or bowls. This flavorful and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a relaxed, memorable Valentine’s dinner or any casual gathering, combining savory and citrus notes for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Liquids

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Tortillas or rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork: Place the pork shoulder chunks in the slow cooker, ensuring the pieces are evenly distributed to cook uniformly.
  2. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper on top of the pork. This blend will infuse the meat with rich, citrusy, and smoky flavors.
  3. Cook the Pork: Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Cook until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
  4. Shred the Meat: Carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the flavorful cooking juices.
  5. Serve: Serve the carnitas in warm tortillas or over rice, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges to add brightness and freshness to the dish.

Notes

  • For crispier edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  • Adjust the level of chili powder to your spice preference.
  • Leftover carnitas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Orange juice adds natural sweetness and acidity but can be substituted with a mixture of lime juice and broth if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork carnitas, slow cooker carnitas, Mexican slow cooker pork, easy pork tacos, carnitas recipe

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/slow-cooker-pork-carnitas-recipe/