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Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas: 8 Reasons to Love This Recipe


  • Author: basmer1517
  • Total Time: 495 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Incredibly tender, citrus-infused shredded pork cooked low and slow, then crisped for authentic carnitas flavor. Perfect for tacos, bowls, nachos, and easy weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 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

Instructions

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

Notes

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 480 minutes
    • Category: Main Dish
    • Method: Slow Cooker
    • Cuisine: Mexican

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 320
    • Sugar: 2 g
    • Sodium: 800 mg
    • Fat: 20 g
    • Saturated Fat: 7 g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
    • Trans Fat: 0 g
    • Carbohydrates: 4 g
    • Fiber: 0 g
    • Protein: 32 g
    • Cholesterol: 90 mg

    Keywords: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas