Let me tell you, I have made Slow Cooker Carnitas so many times that I’ve lost count! Every time I pull out my slow cooker to make this dish, I can feel the excitement building in my kitchen. The aroma of tender pork simmering with zesty citrus and fragrant herbs fills the air, creating an irresistible invitation for everyone in the house. Trust me, if you’re looking for a recipe that will wow your family and friends, this is it! It’s become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Carnitas
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or even just on its own with a side of rice.
- Incredible Flavor: The citrus and herb combination creates a mouthwatering explosion of taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
- Impressive Presentation: Serve it up in style, and your guests will think you’re a culinary genius.
The Secret to Perfect Slow Cooker Carnitas
The key to achieving the most flavorful Slow Cooker Carnitas lies in a simple yet effective technique: marinating the pork overnight in a citrus and herb mixture. This not only infuses the meat with vibrant flavors but also helps to tenderize it. I usually use a combination of orange and lime juice with garlic, cumin, and oregano. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Here’s an insider tip: don’t skip the browning step before adding the pork to the slow cooker. Searing the meat enhances the flavor, giving it that delicious depth that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“I can’t believe how easy this was! The flavors are out of this world. My family devoured it!” – Sarah J.
“This recipe has changed my taco nights forever. I’m officially the slow cooker queen!” – Lisa T.
“Everyone asked for the recipe! I love how tender and juicy the pork turns out.” – Mark R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Chipotle Carnitas: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
- Sweet and Spicy: Mix in some honey and jalapeños for a sweet heat.
- Pineapple Carnitas: Toss in some fresh pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Cilantro Lime: Boost the herbiness by adding extra cilantro and lime zest before serving.
Bonus: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of beer to the slow cooker. It enhances the richness of the pork!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use a different cut of meat? Yes! While pork shoulder is ideal for carnitas due to its fat content, you can use pork loin or even chicken for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long can I store leftovers? Leftover Slow Cooker Carnitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with carnitas? They’re fantastic in tacos, burritos, or on nachos. Serve with fresh salsa, guacamole, or pickled onions for a burst of flavor!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and pork the night before and store it in the fridge. Cook it the next day when you’re ready to enjoy.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in portions for easy meal prep and use within 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
- Serve with warm tortillas, fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and avocado for a complete meal.
Perfect Occasions for Slow Cooker Carnitas
- Family Taco Night
- Game Day Parties
- Casual Gatherings with Friends
- Meal Prep for Busy Weeks
- Celebrating Birthdays with a DIY Taco Bar
The Complete Recipe
Thanks for sticking with me! Now let’s get to the good part: the actual recipe for these incredible Slow Cooker Carnitas.
Slow Cooker Carnitas
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- Fresh cilantro for serving
Tip: For the best flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight in the orange and lime juice mixture. This allows the citrus to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in an incredible flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the pork shoulder chunks, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Pork
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sear the pork chunks on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Transfer the seared pork to your slow cooker. Add the quartered onion and any remaining marinade. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Slow Cooker Carnitas with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado. You’ll love the flavor and your guests will be impressed!
Nutrition Info: Each serving (1/2 cup) has approximately 250 calories, 18g protein, 15g fat, and 4g carbs, making it a hearty, satisfying meal option.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! This Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe is not just easy to make; it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal. The combination of citrus and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that you’ll want to experience over and over again. So why not give it a try? Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Slow Cooker Carnitas
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Total Time:
8 hr 15 mins -
Yield:
6 servings
Discover a delicious twist on classic slow cooker carnitas with citrus, garlic, and fresh herbs for a flavorful, tender dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- • 3-4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- • 1 cup orange juice
- • 1/4 cup lime juice
- • 4 cloves garlic, minced
- • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 1 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1 onion, quartered
- • Fresh cilantro for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the pork shoulder chunks, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sear the pork chunks on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.
- Transfer the seared pork to your slow cooker. Add the quartered onion and any remaining marinade. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices for extra flavor.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Carnitas with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hr
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Method: Oven
