Slow cooker pork carnitas are an amazingly easy and delicious recipe that is full of flavor and cooks all day to tender and juicy perfection! This is definitely a carnitas recipe that you will make again and again! Having a solid pork carnitas recipe on hand is a MUST! You can add it to a salad, pasta or some tortillas and you have so many different meals! If you love this pork recipe, you must absolutely try my Sweet and Sour Pork, Kalua Pulled Pork, and Creamy Pork Carnitas Pasta!
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
If you have been following me for a while, then it is no secret that I love my slow cooker! I have so many recipes that use it because let’s face it, the convenience of it is too irresistible! Meals like this pork carnitas recipe take only a few minutes to throw in the slow cooker! Then, I can leave for the day and come back to the juiciest and most tender meat with basically no effort! This pork carnitas recipe is no exception! It will combine all the flavors you love for a meal that your family will be sure to go crazy over! So, if I haven’t convinced you of why you should use a slow cooker yet, I am here to tell you today that I found one of my all-time favorite tried and true slow cooker pork recipes! It slow cooks for eight hours in a spice rub and a citrus marinade and the flavor is out of this world! The outside edges get crisp and the inside is melt in your mouth tender. This pork carnitas recipe is a MUST try recipe that is insanely delicious! Add in my homemade tortillas and guacamole with chips and you have yourself a meal to remember!
What’s In Pork Carnitas?
These ingredients come together to make a perfect rub for the pork and a great marinade for it to soak in all day while it cooks. The flavors are incredible and you will be shocked by how easy it is and how amazing your kitchen smells while it is cooking!
Pork Shoulder: Ask your butcher to help you choose a high quality meat since it will be the star of this recipe and you want a great cut.Chili Powder: This adds a bit of spice.Cumin: Cumin is a warm spice for a great depth of flavor.Oregano: Make sure not to forget this! It adds an earthy flavors.Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle this on to taste.Orange and Lime juice: You won’t specifically taste the orange or lime juice. They will just add a hint of brightness to the flavor.Garlic: Minced garlic adds rich flavor.Onion: Quartered onion will add deep flavor and moistness.
How to Cook Pork in a Slow Cooker
This pork carnitas recipe comes out of the slow cooker and just falls apart it is so tender. You can either eat the pork right out of the slow cooker or broil it in the oven to give it a crisp edge.
Toppings: Sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro, onion, lime juice, shredded cheese, guacamole, or pico de gallo.Serve it with: Homemade tortillas or nachos.Make it a salad: Get your favorite greens and add this to it as your protein! Add it to pasta: Try my Creamy Pork Carnitas Pasta for somethinge new and you will love the result!
Refrigerator: Place cooked pork in a shallow air-tight container or wrap tightly in heavy duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Your pork will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.Freezer: If you can’t use up all this juicy meet in 5 days, place it in an airtight container (make sure that you label it with the date!) in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.