Can I caramelize this recipe?

If you want to get fancy you can remove the meat to a baking sheet and broil it for 3-4 minutes to caramelize the pork but I find that it's delicious without the extra step-and I'm all about making things easy in the kitchen-especially when entertaining!

What do I serve with pork carnitas?

There are a ton of options for what to serve with carnitas . We usually set up a Mexican buffet with hard or soft taco shells, Mexican rice, salsa, guacamole, cheese, diced bell peppers, black beans, limes, salsa, pico de gallo , jalapeño, shredded lettuce, charred corn, sour cream, refried beans, really any toppings you like!

Can I make this in an instant pot?

Yes! Prepare as written then cook on high pressure 45 minutes and allow pressure to release naturally. You can see the complete instructions in our Instant Pot Carnitas recipe .

How do I adjust the cooking time for a smaller pork shoulder?

There is no need to adjust the cooking time, even with a smaller piece of meat. It will not overcook.

Can I freeze these carnitas?

The carnitas freeze very well. Portion out in freezer bags and lay flat to freeze for easy stacking. To thaw place in the refrigerator overnight.

How do I reheat the meat?

Reheat these under the broiler for a few minutes or in a skillet for the best results. You can also use leftovers carnitas in a lot of other recipes as well.

Can I use pork loin/tenderloin/bone-in pork shoulder for this recipe?

Pork loin or tenderloin can be used in the recipe as written but bone-in pork shoulder would need an extended cooking time.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Name: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: mexican
Ingredients: 4 lb pork shoulder; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons oregano; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves of garlic; 2 small or 1 large orange; 2 limes

Description

These Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are the ultimate in easy comfort food. This Mexican slow cooked pulled pork is super easy to prep in less than ten minutes and cooks up easily in the Crock Pot!

Ingredients

Scale

4 lb pork shoulder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons oregano
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic
2 small or 1 large orange
2 limes

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Instructions

Mix cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder and oregano in a small bowl.
Rub the spice mixture on all sides of the pork shoulder and place in a slow cooker with fat rind on top.
Top meat with onion and garlic cloves.
Cut limes and oranges in half, squeeze juice over pork and add fruit to the top of the meat.
Cook on high 4-6 hours or low 7-8 hours.
Use a slotted spoon to remove fruit and garlic and any fatty pieces.
Shred meat with two forks and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: dinner
Method: slow cooker
Cuisine: mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 424
Sugar: 3.1 g
Sodium: 746.6 mg
Fat: 9.5 g
Carbohydrates: 28.2 g
Protein: 56.1 g
Cholesterol: 136 mg