Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas is a dish that has transformed my weeknight dinners. This recipe features incredibly tender, citrus-infused shredded pork cooked low and slow, then crisped for that authentic carnitas flavor. Perfect for tacos, bowls, and nachos, it’s an easy choice for weeknight dinners. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

This Pork Carnitas Recipe offers a unique combination of flavors, with the citrus notes elevating the dish to a whole new level. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:

Incredibly tender meat that’s easy to shred.
Versatile; perfect for Slow Cooker Pork Tacos or served over rice.
Authentic Mexican flavors that transport you straight to a taco stand.
Great for meal prep; it stores well for leftovers.
Easy to customize with your favorite spices.
Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to parties.
Made in a Slow Cooker, freeing up your time.
Suitable for gluten-free diets, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Gather these items:

4-5 lbs pork shoulder
1 large onion (sliced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
0.5 cup orange juice
2 limes (juiced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1.5 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
2 bay leaves

How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Step-by-Step

Step 1: Season pork with chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Place seasoned pork on top and add bay leaves.
Step 4: Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours until tender.
Step 5: Remove pork, shred with forks, discarding excess fat.
Step 6: Reduce cooking juices for extra flavor if desired.
Step 7: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet, drizzle with reduced juices, and broil 5–8 minutes until crispy.
Step 8: Serve with tortillas, lime, cilantro, or use in bowls and nachos.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas: 8 Reasons to Love This Recipe - Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Keep these in mind:

Use a good quality pork shoulder for the best results.
Don’t rush the cooking process; low and slow is key.
Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences.
Consider adding a splash of beer for extra flavor!

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Make Slow Cooker Pork Tacos with your favorite toppings like avocado and salsa.
Serve over rice or in a burrito bowl.
Top nachos with the shredded pork, cheese, and jalapeños for a crowd-pleaser.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

To store leftovers, place the shredded pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little chicken broth to keep it moist. This makes it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas?

The secret lies in the low and slow cooking method. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy meat. Using citrus, like orange and lime juice, enhances the flavor profile significantly, making your pork carnitas recipe truly authentic.

Can I make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making them ahead of time allows the flavors to develop even further. You can prepare the pork a day in advance, shred it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas?

One common mistake is not seasoning the pork well. Make sure to rub the spices thoroughly into the meat. Also, avoid cooking on high if you want the meat to be as tender as possible; low and slow is the way to go.

Variations of Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas You Can Try

Here are some tasty variations:

For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to the slow cooker.
Try using different citrus fruits like grapefruit or lemon for unique flavors.
Substitute pork with chicken for a lighter version.
Add different herbs and spices, such as coriander or chipotle, for a twist on the traditional.

For more delicious recipes, check out Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef or Creamy Cauliflower Soup. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake!