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Carnitas Crockpot

Savory Carnitas Crockpot Recipe with Crispy Perfection

This Carnitas Crockpot recipe provides tender, flavorful pork with crispy edges for an irresistible meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 3 lbs Pork Shoulder Ideal cut for tender carnitas.
For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Orange Juice Infuses sweetness and acidity.
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice Freshly squeezed preferred.
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Adjust based on taste.
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion Yellow or white onions work best.
For the Spices
  • 1 tbl Cumin Optional if sensitive to spice.
  • 1 tbl Oregano Dried works well.
  • 1 tbl Chili Powder Adjust or omit based on preference.
  • 1 tbl Salt Adjust to liking.
  • 1 tbl Pepper Adjust to liking.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Remove before shredding.

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder, ensuring it's well-cleaned for optimal texture.
  2. Cut the pork into large chunks, about 2-3 inches each, for even cooking.
  3. Place the pork chunks into your slow cooker, pour in orange juice and lime juice.
  4. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and set the slow cooker on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours.
  6. Once cooked, remove pork chunks and shred using two forks, discarding any fat.
  7. Preheat oven's broiler and spread shredded pork on a baking sheet, broiling for 5-8 minutes.
  8. Drizzle reserved cooking liquid over the pork before serving in corn tortillas.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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