Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe - Tender Mexican Pork
Slow Cooker Carnitas — a mexican recipe (main course) with 10 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.
505
Total Time (min)
8
servings
361
Calories/serving
Medium
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder (cut into large chunks)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 onion large, chopped (adds depth of flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons cumin (ground)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1 bay leaf (for added flavor)
Instructions
5 steps
Prepare the Pork
Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and season with salt and pepper.
Ensure even seasoning for better flavor.Combine Ingredients
In the slow cooker, combine orange juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf.
Mix well before adding pork.Add Pork to Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned pork chunks into the slow cooker and cover with the juice mixture.
Make sure the pork is submerged for even cooking.Cook the Carnitas
Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 8 hours or until the pork is tender.
Check occasionally to ensure it's cooking evenly.Shred the Pork
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
Return shredded pork to the slow cooker to absorb more flavor.
💡 Tips & Tricks
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your mexican meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe - Tender Mexican Pork is a beloved dish from Mexican cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 505 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.
Mexican cuisine has deep roots in Mesoamerican and Spanish traditions. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, it features bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and centuries-old cooking techniques.
This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use pork loin or pork belly, but cooking times may vary.
Rate This Recipe
How was this recipe?
Nutrition Facts
8 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
