Slow cooked pork Carnitas perfect for tacos, burritos…you name it!

Sometimes it’s the most simple of meals that are the best. These slow cooker carnitas are cooked slow in the crock pot for hours and then you can crisp up the edges under your oven broiler or in a skillet on your cooktop. We love to serve them on tacos, they’re so good.

What you need to make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas:

1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons salt, or more, to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 pound pork shoulder, cut into smaller pieces
2 oranges, juiced
2 limes, juiced

How to make Carnitas in your slow cooker:

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano and onion powder. Season pork shoulder pieces with salt and pepper and the spice mixture, rubbing in thoroughly on all sides.
Place seasoned pork shoulder pieces into a slow cooker. Pour the orange juice, lime juice over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Remove pork shoulder from the slow cooker and shred the meat on a sheet pan with a fork. You can also use kitchen shears to cut into smaller pieces.
Pour the juices from the slow cooker through a strainer. Add the strained juices back into the pot of the slow cooker.
Preheat oven to broil. With the carnitas on a baking sheet and broil until crisp and crusted, about 3-4 minutes.
For serving: add the shredded pork back into the juices in the slow cooker and cover. Turn slow cooker to the warm setting.
Serve warm on tortillas with diced onions, thinly sliced radishes and sliced avocado or guacamole.

What does the word Carnitas mean?

Carnitas means “little meats”. It is a Mexican version of pulled pork. Traditionally it is made with pork shoulder because of the higher fat content which helps the meat stay tender and juicy while it cooks.

What can I make with pork carnitas?

Pork Carnitas makes the best filling for tamales, enchiladas, tacos, burritos and nachos. You could eat it as is along side rice and beans too. It’s so good!

What toppings go on carnitas tacos?

diced white onion
finely shredded cabbage
chopped fresh cilantro
crumbled cotija cheese or shredded jack cheese
lime wedges for squeezing
sour cream
guacamole
pico de gallo

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Perfectly slow cooked Mexican pork that is shredded and finished off under the oven broiler to crisp it up.

Author Kami | NoBiggie.net

Ingredients

1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons salt or more, to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 4 pound pork shoulder cut into smaller pieces
2 oranges juiced
2 limes juiced

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano and onion powder. Season pork shoulder pieces with salt and pepper and the spice mixture, rubbing in thoroughly on all sides.
Place seasoned pork shoulder pieces into the slow cooker. Pour the orange juice, lime juice over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Remove pork shoulder from the slow cooker and shred the meat on a sheet pan with a fork. You can also use kitchen shears to cut into smaller pieces.
Pour the juices from the slow cooker through a strainer. Add the strained juices back into the pot of the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to the warm setting.
Preheat oven to broil. With the carnitas on a baking sheet and broil until crisp and edges crust a little, about 3-4 minutes.
For serving: add the shredded pork back into the juices in the slow cooker and cover.
Serve warm on tortillas with diced onions, thinly sliced radishes and sliced avocado or guacamole.