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Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe

Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe for Flavorful Tacos

This Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth pork, perfect for tacos and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Carnitas
  • 3 lbs Pork Shoulder Pork butt is a suitable substitute.
  • 1 Onion Use yellow or white for best impact.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced is preferred.
  • 1 cup Orange Juice Fresh juice is ideal.
  • 1 cup Lime Juice Fresh is ideal.
  • 2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Mexican oregano for a traditional twist.
  • 2 tsp Chili Powder Substitute with paprika for milder flavor.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust to personal preference.

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe
  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into large chunks. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Place quartered onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the seasoned pork chunks on top.
  3. Pour orange juice and lime juice over the pork. Sprinkle with ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is tender and shreddable.
  5. Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred with two forks.
  6. For crispy carnitas, broil the shredded pork in the oven for 5-7 minutes, watching closely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Thaw pork shoulder completely before cooking. Layer onions and garlic properly to maximize flavor infusion. Crisping the carnitas in the broiler is highly recommended for texture.

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