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Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe

Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
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4.8 from 7 reviews

These Easy Crockpot Carnitas are a delicious and simple way to enjoy flavorful Mexican pulled pork. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, the pork turns tender and juicy, perfect for filling tacos, burritos, bowls, or serving over rice. Finish them off with a quick broil for crispy edges.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pork:

  • 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning:

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Liquids:

  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Rub the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder chunks with olive oil and place them in the crockpot.
  2. Add Ingredients: Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cinnamon over the pork.
  3. Add Liquids: Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
  5. Shred: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
  6. Optional Step: Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-8 minutes to get crispy edges.
  7. Serve: Serve the carnitas in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  • Broiling after slow cooking enhances texture.
  • Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/easy-crockpot-carnitas-recipe/