Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe
This tender and flavorful Carnitas recipe features slow-cooked pork butt seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and citrus juices, then finished with a crispy broil for a perfect balance of juicy, savory meat and crunchy edges. Ideal for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads, this Mexican classic is simple to prepare and delivers authentic taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours (slow cooker low) or 5 to 6 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes (using low setting)
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 4 pound boneless pork butt or pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Aromatics
- ½ cup orange juice (from two small or one large orange)
- ¼ cup lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
For Serving
- Tortillas
- Chopped onion
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Avocado
- Limes
Instructions
- Prepare Pork: Place pork butt or shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Make Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix dried oregano, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mix on all sides of the pork. Position the pork fat side up in the slow cooker.
- Add Juices and Aromatics: Pour orange juice and lime juice around the pork, being careful not to wash off the spice rub on top. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the pork from the slow cooker liquid. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any excess fat.
- Crisp the Pork (Optional but Recommended): For best texture, spread the shredded pork evenly on a rimmed baking sheet (lined with foil if desired). Drizzle a little of the cooking juices over the meat, avoiding excess liquid. Place under a broiler in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until the edges become crispy.
- Serve: Serve the carnitas in warm tortillas topped with chopped onion, cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges, or use as desired in burrito bowls or salads.
Notes
- Using a slow cooker ensures tender and flavorful pork with minimal hands-on time.
- Broiling the shredded pork adds crispy edges that enhance the dish’s texture and flavor.
- Keep an eye on the pork while broiling to avoid burning.
- Leftover carnitas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- You can customize toppings based on personal preference, such as adding salsa, cheese, or pickled jalapeños.
Keywords: carnitas, slow cooker carnitas, shredded pork, Mexican pork recipe, slow cooked pork, pork tacos, Mexican cuisine, citrus pork
Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/crispy-slow-cooker-carnitas-recipe/
