Ultimate Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas: Your Go-To Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey to Mexico from the comfort of your kitchen with these incredibly delicious Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas. This recipe delivers a feast for the senses, yielding pork that is irresistibly tender and juicy on the inside, with perfectly crispy, golden edges that sing with authentic flavor. Forget complicated cooking methods; we’ll guide you through making the best homemade carnitas with ease, ensuring every bite is a celebration of Mexican tradition.
Pork carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, are a staple of Michoacán cuisine, celebrated for their rich, slow-cooked pork that melts in your mouth. Our slow cooker adaptation simplifies this classic, allowing you to achieve that coveted fall-apart texture with minimal effort. Whether you’re planning a vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebration, a cozy family dinner, or a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal, these carnitas are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress everyone with this authentic and easy-to-master shredded pork recipe, complete with a myriad of topping ideas to customize your perfect taco experience.
Mastering the Art of Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
The magic of truly exceptional pork carnitas lies in a delightful duality: deeply tender, succulent meat contrasted with golden, caramelized, and crispy edges. Our slow cooker method is meticulously designed to achieve this perfection. By cooking a pork roast low and slow for several hours, we allow the connective tissues to break down beautifully, resulting in meat that effortlessly shreds with a fork. But the journey doesn’t end there. The crucial final step involves a quick stint under the broiler, transforming those shredded strands into an irresistible mosaic of textures – crispy, chewy, and bursting with flavor. This two-step process ensures maximum flavor development and that signature crispy finish that makes carnitas so utterly addictive.
Our Mexican-style carnitas are imbued with a traditional blend of aromatic spices and citrus notes, creating a flavor profile that is both vibrant and deeply comforting. The base seasoning includes fresh orange juice, earthy cumin, fragrant oregano (preferably Mexican oregano), pungent garlic, and a hint of bay leaves, all brightened by a final squeeze of fresh lime juice. This careful combination tenderizes the meat while infusing it with layers of authentic Mexican taste. While traditionally served on warm corn or flour tortillas with just a sprinkle of finely diced white onion and fresh cilantro, these versatile carnitas open up a world of possibilities for customization. Beyond tacos, they can elevate everything from hearty enchiladas and satisfying sandwiches to fresh salads and nourishing burrito bowls, ensuring no leftover ever goes to waste.
Visual Guide: Pork Carnita Tacos Video Tutorial
For those who prefer a visual demonstration, our comprehensive video tutorial walks you through each step of creating these delectable pork carnitas. Watch as we transform a simple pork roast into a Mexican culinary masterpiece, offering helpful tips and tricks to ensure your carnitas are perfectly tender and wonderfully crispy every time. From preparing the ingredients to achieving that golden-brown finish under the broiler, this video is your perfect companion in the kitchen.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Pork Carnitas Leftovers
One of the best things about making a large batch of Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas is the delightful opportunity to transform leftovers into an array of new and exciting meals. These flavorful “little meats” are incredibly versatile, ensuring your culinary creativity knows no bounds. Here are some fantastic ideas to make the most of your delicious carnitas:
- Epic Pork Carnitas Tacos and Toppings: The quintessential way to enjoy carnitas! Fill warm corn or flour tortillas generously with the crispy, shredded pork. While traditionalists might opt for just onions and cilantro, we encourage you to explore a wider spectrum of flavors. Enhance your tacos with fresh homemade salsa, creamy guacamole, vibrant pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco, crisp diced tomatoes, tangy pickled red onions, a dollop of sour cream or crema, and of course, plenty of fresh cilantro. For an extra kick, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce is always a welcome addition.
- More Mexican-Inspired Delights: Don’t limit your carnitas to just tacos! They are an exceptional filling for other beloved Mexican dishes. Try stuffing them into enchiladas, layering them in cheesy quesadillas, building hearty burrito bowls with rice, beans, and fresh veggies, or even rolling them into large, satisfying burritos. They also make a fantastic topping for nachos or a flavorful addition to sopes and tortas.
- Hearty Sandwiches and Sliders: Give your leftover carnitas a different twist by serving them on a toasted sandwich bun. Pair them with your favorite sweet or tangy BBQ sauce and a refreshing coleslaw for a delicious pulled pork-style sandwich. They also make excellent sliders for game day or casual gatherings.
- Soups, Salads, and Beyond: Carnitas can effortlessly replace shredded chicken or other proteins in a variety of dishes. Add them to your favorite Mexican-inspired soups, such as a hearty tortilla soup or a chili verde. For a lighter meal, toss them into a vibrant salad with corn, black beans, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing. They can also be incorporated into fried rice, omelets, or even on top of loaded baked potatoes for a creative meal.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Carnitas Flavor
Crafting mouthwatering slow cooker pork carnitas begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in developing the rich, complex flavors and achieving the perfect texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why these ingredients are key:
- Pork Roast (Pork Shoulder/Boston Butt): The star of our dish! We highly recommend using a bone-in pork shoulder, often labeled as pork butt. This cut is ideal for slow cooking due to its high fat content and abundant connective tissue. Over several hours, the fat renders, keeping the meat incredibly moist, while the collagen breaks down into gelatin, resulting in that signature fall-apart tenderness. Bone-in cuts also tend to impart deeper flavor to the cooking liquid.
- Orange Juice: A traditional and essential ingredient in carnitas. The acidity of the orange juice not only helps to tenderize the pork further but also infuses it with a subtle, bright citrus note that beautifully balances the richness of the meat. You can use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor, or a good quality bottled variety.
- Chicken Broth: This adds an additional layer of savory flavor and provides the necessary liquid for slow cooking the pork. Ensure your pork is partially submerged (about a quarter of the way) to keep it moist throughout the long cooking process. Homemade or store-bought broth works perfectly.
- Onions: White or yellow onions are ideal for creating an aromatic foundation for your carnitas. When minced and slow-cooked with the pork, they caramelize and melt into the liquid, contributing a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Jalapeño: Fresh jalapeños add a touch of mild heat and a fresh, herbaceous note. For less heat, you can remove the seeds and membranes before mincing. If you prefer more spice, leave some of the seeds in or add an extra jalapeño.
- Garlic: A fundamental aromatic in almost all savory dishes, fresh minced garlic is indispensable here. Its pungent, savory notes permeate the pork during slow cooking, building a robust flavor profile. A touch of garlic powder can be added for extra depth if desired.
- Cumin: This earthy, warm spice is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. Cumin provides a distinctive, slightly peppery flavor that is characteristic of authentic carnitas. Don’t skip this ingredient!
- Dried Oregano: For true Mexican flavor, seek out Mexican dried oregano, which has a more pungent, citrusy, and slightly minty profile compared to Mediterranean/Italian oregano. However, Italian dried oregano will also work well in a pinch.
- Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves release a subtle, peppery, and slightly bitter flavor that adds complexity to the slow-cooked pork. Remember to remove them before shredding and serving.
- Limes: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving is critical. The bright acidity of the lime cuts through the richness of the pork, enhancing all the other flavors and adding a wonderful fresh finish. Always use fresh limes for the best results.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the pork and other ingredients. Season generously at the beginning, tasting and adjusting as needed at the end.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Making incredible pork carnitas at home might seem daunting, but our slow cooker method breaks it down into simple, achievable steps. Follow this guide to ensure your carnitas are flavorful, tender, and beautifully crispy.
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker and Add Ingredients: Begin by lightly spraying the inside of your slow cooker with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and aid in cleanup. Place your chosen pork roast into the bottom of the pot. Pour in the orange juice and chicken broth, ensuring the liquid covers about a quarter of the pork. Scatter the minced onion, jalapeño, and garlic evenly around the pork. Season generously with cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Finally, add the bay leaves on top.
- The Slow Cooking Process for Ultimate Tenderness: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. For the most tender, succulent results, cook on the LOW setting for 7-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook on the HIGH setting for 5 hours, though low and slow is always recommended for optimal texture. The pork is ready when it can be easily shredded with two forks, falling apart with minimal resistance. Pro Tip: If, after the recommended cooking time, the roast is still tough or difficult to shred, simply replace the lid and continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes. Different cuts and sizes of pork can vary in cooking time.
- Shred the Pork and Prepare for Crisping: Carefully remove the cooked pork roast from the slow cooker and transfer it to a sturdy cutting board or a large baking sheet. Using two forks, shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of excess fat or gristle, as well as the bay leaves. While you want some fat for flavor, too much can make the final crisping less effective. Once shredded, arrange the pork in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- The Secret to Crispy Edges: Broiling to Perfection: Preheat your oven to a low broil setting. This is the magical step that gives carnitas their characteristic crispy texture. Drizzle about ¼ cup of the reserved cooking liquid (drippings) from the slow cooker over the shredded pork on the baking sheet to keep it moist while broiling. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Watch it very carefully as broiler temperatures can vary and meat can burn quickly. After 2 minutes, remove the tray, use tongs to turn the pork, and return it to the broiler for another 2 minutes. Repeat this process 3-4 times, or until approximately 20-30 percent of the pork edges are beautifully crispy and golden brown. Continue to add small amounts of drippings (about ¼ cup at a time) between broiling sessions to prevent the meat from drying out and to enhance flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your carnitas have reached their ideal crispy-tender texture, remove them from the oven. Squeeze fresh lime juice generously over the pork – this brightens all the flavors. Your delicious homemade pork carnitas are now ready to be served! Pile them high on warm tortillas for tacos, or incorporate them into salads, burrito bowls, quesadillas, sandwiches, and more. Don’t forget your favorite toppings!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Carnitas
For the most authentic and delicious slow cooker shredded pork, we unequivocally recommend using bone-in pork shoulder, also widely known as pork butt (despite its name, it comes from the pig’s shoulder). This cut is generously marbled with fat and contains a good amount of connective tissue. During the long, slow cooking process, the fat renders, keeping the meat incredibly moist, while the connective tissue breaks down into gelatin, resulting in that desirable fall-apart tenderness and rich, sticky texture. It’s also typically a very economical cut, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
Absolutely! Adding liquid is essential for ensuring your pork cooks evenly, stays moist, and develops deep flavor in the slow cooker. You should add enough liquid so that your pork is submerged about ¼ of the way. We use a combination of orange juice and chicken broth. The orange juice is a traditional element that adds a subtle citrus brightness and helps tenderize, while the chicken broth provides a savory base and additional moisture, preventing the pork from drying out during the extended cooking time.
The cooking time for pork carnitas in a slow cooker largely depends on the size of your pork roast and your desired tenderness. For the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth results, we highly recommend cooking on the LOW heat setting for approximately 7-8 hours for a 3-5 pound pork roast. This extended, gentle heat allows the pork’s connective tissues to break down thoroughly. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can cook on HIGH for about 5 hours. Always perform the “fork test”: the pork is done when you can easily shred it with two forks without much resistance. If it’s still tough, simply put the lid back on and continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes until it yields easily. Cutting larger roasts into 2-3 smaller chunks can also help reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking.
The secret to those coveted crispy edges is a crucial step after the slow cooking: broiling. Once the pork is slow-cooked and shredded, spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle some of the flavorful cooking liquid (drippings) over the pork, then place it under a preheated broiler. The intense direct heat from the broiler caramelizes the surface of the meat, transforming it into irresistible crispy bits. You’ll need to turn the pork every couple of minutes to ensure even crisping and prevent burning. Alternatively, you can achieve crispiness by pan-frying the shredded pork in a little oil or some of the reserved pork fat from the slow cooker until golden brown and crispy.
Absolutely! Carnitas are an excellent make-ahead meal component. You can slow cook the pork and even shred it a day or two in advance. Store the shredded pork, submerged in some of its cooking liquid, in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the pork (see reheating instructions below) and then proceed with the broiling step to achieve those wonderful crispy edges. This makes entertaining or busy weeknights much easier.
Storing and Reheating Your Carnitas for Best Flavor
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious pork carnitas even after the initial meal. Here’s how to keep them fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigerator Storage: To keep your carnitas fresh, transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container. Make sure to include some of the cooking liquid (drippings) with the pork; this helps retain moisture and flavor. Stored correctly, carnitas will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer Storage: For longer-term storage, carnitas freeze beautifully. Place the shredded pork and a generous amount of its cooking liquid into a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the meat moist. Carnitas can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: When reheating, it’s best to retain moisture and then crisp if desired. You can reheat carnitas in the microwave in short bursts, adding a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. For stovetop reheating, place the carnitas in a pot or pan with a bit of extra chicken broth over medium-low heat until warmed through. To re-crisp, spread the reheated carnitas on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, or pan-fry in a bit of oil, similar to the initial crisping step.
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
Pin
Rate
Video
10 minutes
8 hours
10 minutes
8 hours
20 minutes
12
people
Ingredients
-
4
pounds
pork roast (bone-in pork shoulder/butt recommended) -
1/2
cup
orange juice -
1
cup
chicken broth -
1
large
onion,
yellow or white, minced -
1
medium
jalapeno,
minced (deseed for less heat) -
4
teaspoons
garlic,
freshly minced -
2
teaspoons
cumin,
ground, or chili powder -
1
teaspoon
dried oregano,
(Mexican oregano preferred) -
2
large
bay leaves -
2
teaspoons
salt -
1
teaspoon
black pepper -
2
large
limes,
for serving
Instructions
- Lightly spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the pork roast, orange juice, chicken broth, minced onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, then top with the bay leaves.
- Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, until the pork is incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with two forks. (Note: If the roast is difficult to shred, return the lid and cook for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until it reaches ideal tenderness).
- Once the pork is cooked, preheat your oven to a low broil setting.
- Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker. Shred the pork using two forks, discarding any excess fat or gristle and the bay leaves. Transfer the shredded pork to a large baking sheet, spreading it into a single layer. Drizzle some of the flavorful cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the pork to moisten it.
- Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Broil for 2 minutes, then remove, turn the pork with tongs, and repeat. Continue this process 3-4 times, or until about 20-30 percent of the pork edges are wonderfully crispy and golden. Throughout this process, continue to add small amounts of the slow cooker drippings (about 1/4 cup at a time) to keep the meat moistened and enhance crisping.
- Once your carnitas are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top before serving on tacos, salads, burrito bowls, quesadillas, sandwiches, and more. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful carnitas!
Video
Notes
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a pot or pan with a bit of extra chicken broth to maintain moisture. To re-crisp, spread on a baking sheet and broil or pan-fry until desired crispness is achieved.
Nutrition
Calories:
167
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
4
g
|
Protein:
26
g
|
Fat:
5
g
|
Saturated Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
71
mg
|
Sodium:
516
mg
|
Potassium:
500
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
2
g
|
Vitamin A:
30
IU
|
Vitamin C:
11
mg
|
Calcium:
21
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Main Course
American, Mexican
Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.
Did you make this?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Tiktok for more!
More Delightful Pork Recipes to Explore
If you loved these Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas, you’ll be thrilled to discover more easy and flavorful pork recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From savory roasts to quick weeknight meals, there’s a pork dish for every palate:
- Slow Cooker Kalua Pork: A Hawaiian-inspired dish that’s incredibly tender and smoky.
- Crockpot Mississippi Pork Roast: A simple, tangy, and savory pork roast with minimal ingredients.
- Cafe Rio Sweet Pork: A beloved recipe for sweet and savory shredded pork, perfect for burritos and salads.
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Roast: A classic, versatile pulled pork for sandwiches and more.
- Easy Ham Fried Rice: A quick and flavorful way to use leftover ham.
- Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes: A comforting and complete meal cooked together.
- Baby Back Pork Ribs Slow Cooker: Fall-off-the-bone ribs made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
- Explore even more incredible Pork Recipes for every meal.
- Discover convenience with our full collection of Crockpot Recipes.
Expand Your Palate with More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
Complement your carnitas feast or simply explore the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with these additional recipes:
- Authentic Spanish Rice: The perfect flavorful side dish for any Mexican meal.
- Zesty Lime Rice: A bright and refreshing alternative to plain rice.
- Fresh, 5-Minute Salsa: A quick and vibrant salsa to elevate any dish.
- Creamy Homemade Guacamole: The ultimate dip for tacos, chips, and more.
- Authentic Carne Asada: Perfectly grilled steak for tacos or main courses.
- Irresistible Cheesy Bean Dip: A warm and gooey appetizer perfect for sharing.
- Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas: A simple and flavorful one-pan meal.
- Sizzling Steak Fajitas: Classic, restaurant-quality fajitas made at home.
This Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas recipe stands as a testament to how simple ingredients, cooked with patience, can yield extraordinary results. With its perfectly crispy exterior, incredibly tender interior, and robust flavor profile, it’s a dish that promises to transport you straight to the heart of Mexico. Whether piled into tacos with your favorite array of toppings or ingeniously repurposed into other meals, these carnitas are sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the ease, the aroma, and most importantly, the unforgettable taste!