This Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas is all about tasty, juicy meat that falls apart with just a fork. It cooks slowly with spices, making it extra flavorful!
You’ll love how simple it is to throw everything in the pot and let it do its magic. I like to serve it in tacos or with rice, and you can never have too many toppings, right? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use pork loin, but it may be slightly drier. I find pork shoulder to be the best choice for this dish!
Ground Cumin: It adds a warm, earthy flavor. If you don’t have cumin, you can substitute it with coriander, but the taste will be a bit different. I love the depth cumin brings to the carnitas.
Dried Oregano: Use Mexican oregano if you can find it, as it has a more robust flavor than regular oregano. If not, any dried oregano works fine. I always opt for dried herbs over fresh since they meal prep well!
Chili Powder: This spice blend adds heat and flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using paprika for a milder touch. I often like to add a pinch of cayenne for extra warmth!
Chicken Broth: It keeps the meat moist and adds flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works great here. I sometimes use a low-sodium broth for better control of salt levels.
How Do I Achieve Tender, Shreddable Pork?
The secret to achieving tender pork lies in the cooking method. Slow cooking helps break down the tough fibers of the meat. Make sure to cut the pork into large chunks; this allows it to cook evenly while retaining moisture.
- Layer the onions at the bottom of the crockpot; they act as a natural base, releasing moisture.
- Cover the pot and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. No peeking!
- After cooking, let the pork rest before shredding, which helps retain juices. Use two forks to shred easily.
Optional: For that crispy texture, broil the shredded pork for a few minutes after shredding. Just watch it closely to prevent burning!
Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Tortillas for serving
Optional Toppings:
- chopped cilantro
- diced avocado
- lime wedges
- salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and you can cook it on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. After cooking, you might want to spend a few extra minutes broiling the pork for a crispy finish. Total time including cooking and prep is about 8 hours and 15 minutes or 4 hours and 15 minutes, depending on your cooking choice.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by cutting the pork shoulder into large chunks that will fit into your crockpot. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick. Then, season the pork by rubbing in the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until it’s well coated.
2. Layer Ingredients:
In the crockpot, place the quartered onion at the bottom as a base. Next, arrange the seasoned pork on top of the onions. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the pork. Then, pour in the lime juice, orange juice, and chicken broth to add flavor and moisture.
3. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. If you’re using the low setting, let it cook for 8 hours. For a quicker option, set it to high for 4-5 hours. The pork is ready when it’s tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is done cooking, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. You’ll enjoy the delicious, tender texture!
5. Crisp the Meat (Optional):
If you like a little crunch, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet in an even layer. Place it under the broiler in your oven for about 5-7 minutes until you see crispy edges forming. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
6. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your carnitas! Warm the tortillas, fill them with the shredded pork, and add your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, bright lime wedges, and zesty salsa. Enjoy your delicious homemade crockpot pork carnitas!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork loin for a leaner option. Just note that pork loin may not be as juicy, so consider adding a bit more chicken broth to keep it moist during cooking.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you enjoy a little heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. For an even spicier kick, try incorporating some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet on medium heat until heated through. If you have extra tortillas, you can also make delicious quesadillas with the leftovers!
Can I Prepare This Recipe the Night Before?
Yes! You can prepare everything the night before by seasoning the pork and placing it in the crockpot with the other ingredients. Just cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the crockpot on the cooking base and set it to cook while you go about your day!
