Slow Cooker Carnitas: A Simple Recipe for Tender, Juicy Pork
Are you craving delicious, melt-in-your-mouth carnitas but short on time? This slow cooker carnitas recipe is your answer! Forget hours of stovetop tending; this method delivers incredibly tender and flavorful pork with minimal effort. Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or simply enjoyed on its own, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 3-4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (butt): This cut is perfect for slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful carnitas.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for authentic carnitas flavor.
- 1 cup orange juice: Provides brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the pork.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps the pork stay tender.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Provides a smoky heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- 1 tablespoon cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon oregano: Adds a distinctly Mexican herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Balances the other spices.
- Optional additions: For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf, a few chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for extra heat), or a couple of sprigs of fresh cilantro.
Instructions: Slow Cooker Carnitas Perfection
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, orange juice, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Add the Pork: Place the boneless pork shoulder into the slow cooker, ensuring it's mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size of the pork shoulder.
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, use two forks to shred the pork into smaller, manageable pieces.
- Crisp Up (Optional): For extra texture, you can transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s slightly crispy on the edges. This step is entirely optional but highly recommended for added deliciousness.
- Serve: Serve your delicious carnitas in tacos, burritos, bowls, or on their own. Top with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, onions, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Tips and Variations for the Best Carnitas:
- Don't overcrowd your slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the pork to cook evenly.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking. If you prefer a milder carnitas, reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Add some heat: For spicier carnitas, add a few chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. The carnitas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This slow cooker carnitas recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and tender meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!
