This Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas recipe makes yummy and tender pork that’s full of flavor. Just toss some spices, citrus, and meat into the slow cooker, and let it do the work!
Who doesn’t love a meal that smells amazing while cooking? I like to serve mine with fresh tortillas and some toppings. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for carnitas because it’s marbled with fat, making it tender and juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use pork loin, but it won’t be as rich in flavor. Some people enjoy using chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Onion: Any type of onion works, but yellow onion is my favorite since it becomes soft and sweet when cooked. If you’re avoiding onions, try using leeks or shallots for a milder taste.
Spices: The combo of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano gives great flavor. If you lack smoked paprika, regular paprika with a pinch of liquid smoke can work. Adjust the spices based on your taste—for example, add some cayenne for heat!
Citrus: Freshly squeezed juice is ideal, but if you’re out of oranges or limes, you can substitute with lemon juice or a splash of vinegar for acidity. I recommend using the spent halves in the pot—they add depth!
Chicken Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth works great too if you want to go meat-free!
How Can I Broil the Pork for Perfect Crispy Carnitas?
Broiling is a simple way to get your carnitas crispy after slow cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- After shredding the pork, preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Spread the shredded pork evenly on a baking sheet. If desired, drizzle a bit of the cooking juices over the meat for added moisture.
- Broil for 5-10 minutes, watching closely. You want the edges to brown and crisp up but avoid burning.
- Once crispy, remove from the oven and let it sit for a minute before serving on tortillas.
This step really elevates the dish, giving it that satisfying texture contrast everyone loves! Enjoy your delicious carnitas!
Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carnitas:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 orange, juiced (and add the spent halves to the pot)
- 1 lime, juiced (and add the spent half to the pot)
- 1 cup chicken broth
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crockpot pork carnitas recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 8 hours to cook on low in the crockpot. So, a little time upfront, and then you can relax while it cooks! Perfect for a busy day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Then, cut the pork into large chunks so they fit nicely in your crockpot. This will help it cook evenly and make shredding easier later on!
2. Mix the Spices:
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Give it a good mix! This will be the flavorful rub for your pork.
3. Season the Pork:
Take the spice mixture and rub it all over the chunks of pork shoulder. Make sure each piece is well-coated with those delicious spices. The more flavor, the better!
4. Layer in the Crockpot:
Place the quartered onions at the bottom of the crockpot. Next, add the seasoned pork on top of the onions. The onions will add flavor as they cook.
5. Add Juices and Broth:
Pour the fresh orange juice and lime juice over the pork. Don’t forget to toss in the spent halves of the orange and lime for extra zest! Then, add the chicken broth to keep everything moist while it cooks.
6. Cook it Up:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 8 hours. The pork should become tender and so easy to shred with a fork. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Shred the Pork:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the pork—it’s fun and satisfying!
8. Crisp it Up (Optional):
If you want crispy carnitas (highly recommended!), spread the shredded pork out on a baking sheet. Pop it under the broiler for about 5-10 minutes until it’s browned and crispy. You can drizzle some cooking juices over it for added flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Warm up your tortillas and serve the crispy carnitas right on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and any of your favorite toppings like diced onions or salsa. Enjoy your delicious homemade pork carnitas!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use pork loin or pork ribs. Just keep in mind that these cuts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water. If using water, consider adding a bit of extra seasoning or a bouillon cube to enhance the flavor of the carnitas.
How Should I Store Leftover Carnitas?
Cool the leftover pork carnitas first, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! To kick up the heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the spice mixture. If you prefer more flavor, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper as well!
