Go Back
+ servings

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Tender, juicy pork that melts in your mouth, bursting with bold flavors from zesty citrus to savory spices.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 pounds Pork Shoulder Ideal for slow cooking due to rich marbling.
  • 1 medium Onion Use yellow onion for natural sweetness.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves for robust aroma.
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin Ground cumin adds earthy notes.
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Dried oregano for herbaceous quality.
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder Choose mild or spicy variety.
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice Freshly squeezed for brightness.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Infuse subtle herbal flavor.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust to enhance flavor.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Use low-sodium broth.

Method
 

Prepare the Pork
  1. Select a pork shoulder weighing around 3 to 4 pounds. Trim excess fat and cut into large chunks.
Season Generously
  1. Mix cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork pieces and let sit for 15 minutes.
Add Aromatics
  1. Dice one onion and mince four cloves of garlic. Place them in the slow cooker with two bay leaves and juice from two halved oranges.
Set It and Forget It
  1. Place the seasoned pork on top of the aromatics and cook on low for 8 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Great for tacos, burrito bowls, or any culinary adventure.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!