Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas 🌮🐖

This recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas is the ultimate comfort food that perfectly balances savory, spicy, and zesty flavors. Cooked low and slow until tender and juicy, this pork is perfect for tacos, burritos, or just served with rice and beans. The beauty of carnitas is its versatility—the options for toppings and sides are endless!

Ingredients

For the pork

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), trimmed and cut into large chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 1 lime, juiced
• Zest of one orange
• 1 bay leaf

For serving

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Red onion, diced
• Lime wedges
• Avocado or guacamole
• Salsa or pico de gallo

Instructions

1. Sear the pork (optional but recommended): In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Sear the pork chunks on all sides until browned, about 5-6 minutes. This enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time.

2. Slow cook the mixture: Place the seared pork (or raw pork if you prefer) into the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Pour in the orange juice and lime juice, and sprinkle the orange zest and bay leaf on top.

3. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shredded.

4. Shred the pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat and the bay leaf. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it well with the cooking juices.

5. Crisp it up (optional): For that perfect texture, preheat your oven to broil. Spread the shredded pork on a large baking sheet and drizzle a bit of the cooking juices over it. Broil for 5-7 minutes until slightly crispy and caramelized. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

6. Serve and enjoy: Warm the tortillas and assemble your tacos with carnitas, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, a squeeze of lime, and avocado or guacamole.

🥑 If you want an extra kick, add some hot sauce or sliced pickled jalapeños to your tacos! Feel free to serve the carnitas over rice with beans or make burritos—a delicious and filling option for any gathering!

Variations

• Citrus twist: Substitute some of the orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical flavor.
• Herbaceous delight: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for an aromatic layer.
• Spicy: Increase the heat by adding more jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
• Instant Pot version: Use the sauté function for searing and then pressure cook the pork on high for 60 minutes with the same ingredients. Use a natural release for optimal tenderness.

This Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas recipe makes for a mouthwatering meal that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear! 🎉🌮