This Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas recipe makes tender, flavorful pork that practically falls apart. All you need to do is season the meat and let it cook slowly!
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks while you do other things? I enjoy serving these carnitas in tacos or burritos with all my favorite toppings. Yum! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is ideal for carnitas due to its rich fat content that makes for tender, juicy meat. If you can’t find pork shoulder, you can substitute with pork loin, but it may not be as flavorful.
Spices: Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano create a lovely flavor base for the pork. In a pinch, use taco seasoning instead of the individual spices for convenience.
Orange and Lime: The citrus juices add brightness and balance the richness of the pork. If you don’t have oranges, you can double up on lime juice or use lemon juice as a substitute.
Cilantro: This is optional, but fresh cilantro adds a fresh touch. If you’re not a fan, consider using green onions or leaving it out entirely.
How Do You Ensure the Pork Shreds Easily?
The key to tender pork lies in the cooking time and temperature. Cooking low and slow lets the collagen in the pork break down, resulting in easy shredding. Aim for these steps:
- Trim excess fat but leave some for moisture and flavor.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, checking for tenderness.
- Once cooked, let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps keep it juicy!
Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 orange, juiced (and halved)
- 1 lime, juiced (and halved)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Corn or flour tortillas for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and then let the crockpot do the work for 4 to 8 hours, depending on your setting. So, this is a perfect recipe to start in the morning and enjoy a delicious meal by dinner-time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder, then cut the meat into large chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the spices stick better.
2. Season the Pork:
In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this lovely spice mixture all over the pork pieces until they are well coated.
3. Sear the Pork (Optional):
If you have the time, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chunks on all sides until they’re nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it!
4. Add Ingredients to Crockpot:
Now, place the browned (or unbrowned for a quicker method) pork into your crockpot. Toss in the quartered onion, crushed garlic, the juice from the orange, lime juice, and also drop in the squeezed orange halves for extra flavor.
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is so tender that it shreds easily with a fork. The aroma will be amazing!
6. Shred the Pork:
Once done, carefully take the pork out and place it on a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks. Be sure to discard any large pieces of fat and the orange halves, as they’re no longer needed.
7. Crisp the Pork (Optional):
If you want to add a little crunch, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler in the oven for about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—just until the edges look crispy!
8. Serve:
Serve your delicious pork warm, piled onto corn or flour tortillas. Feel free to add fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and toppings like diced onions, salsa, or avocado for a tasty finishing touch!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Crockpot Pork Carnitas!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or pork tenderloin, but keep in mind that they may not be as flavorful or as tender as pork shoulder. If using a leaner cut, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying it out.
How Do I Store Leftover Carnitas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the shredded carnitas for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like it spicy, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or even some chopped jalapeños to the spice mix. Alternatively, serve with a spicy salsa for an extra kick!
What Can I Serve with Pork Carnitas Besides Tortillas?
Pork carnitas are versatile! You can serve them over rice, in burrito bowls, or even as a topping for nachos. For a lighter option, try them in a salad with fresh veggies and a squeeze of lime.
