Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe - Authentic Mexican Flavor

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas — a mexican recipe (main course) with 9 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

600

Total Time (min)

8

servings

454

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe - Authentic Mexican Flavor

Ingredients

Servings:
8
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder (cut into large chunks)
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 onion medium (chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Prepare the Pork

    Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and season it with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano.

    Make sure to coat the meat evenly.
  2. Combine Ingredients

    In the slow cooker, combine the seasoned pork, onion, garlic, orange juice, and lime juice.

    Stir well to ensure the pork is well coated.
  3. Set the Slow Cooker

    Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is tender.

    Check the meat for doneness; it should shred easily.
  4. Shred the Pork

    Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

    Let it cool slightly before shredding to avoid burns.
  5. Crisp the Carnitas

    Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until crispy.

    Watch closely to prevent burning.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Keto-Friendly, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free. Diet: Low-Carb

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:

🍽️Cilantro lime rice
🍽️Refried beans
🍽️Fresh guacamole

About This Dish

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe - Authentic Mexican Flavor is a beloved dish from Mexican cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 600 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 9 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use pork loin or pork belly, but shoulder is recommended for its flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

8 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories310kcal
Total Fat20gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates6gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars1gg
Protein24gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineMexican