This Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas recipe is a total winner! With just pork, spices, and some citrus, it slow-cooks to tender perfection. Serve it in tacos or burritos!
Honestly, your kitchen will smell amazing while it cooks. I love to pile these carnitas with fresh toppings—it’s like having a fiesta on my plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for carnitas as it’s well-marbled and becomes tender during slow cooking. If you can’t find it, try using pork loin or even chicken thighs for a lighter version, though they might be less rich.
Onion: Quartered onions under the pork add flavor and help keep it moist. You can swap them with shallots for a milder taste or omit them if you’re looking to lighten the recipe.
Spices: The spice mix is key to flavor. If you don’t have chili powder, paprika can work as an alternative. For a twist, add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Lime & Orange Juice: Fresh juices add acidity, which helps brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh citrus, bottled juice can be used, though fresh is always tastier. Apple cider vinegar is another option if you’re in a pinch.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour tortillas if preferred or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How Can I Make Sure My Pork Is Shredded Perfectly?
Shredding the pork correctly will enhance the texture of your carnitas. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After cooking, let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps retain moisture.
- Use two forks to pull the pork apart gently. Start with larger pieces and break them down into bite-sized shreds.
- Mix the shredded pork with the juices in the crockpot. This keeps it flavorful and juicy.
- For that crispy touch, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it briefly. Keep an eye on it, as it can brown quickly!
Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 orange, juiced (you can keep the spent orange halves in the pot)
- 1 cup chicken broth
For Serving:
- Tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then needs to cook in the crockpot for 8-10 hours. You can set it in the morning and come back to a delicious meal ready in the evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the quartered onion at the bottom of your crockpot. This layer will act as a bed for the pork, adding flavor and helping it cook evenly.
2. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). This spice mix is what will give your carnitas all the great flavor!
3. Season the Pork:
Take your pork shoulder and rub the spice mixture all over it. Make sure to coat it evenly, so every bite is full of flavor!
4. Assemble in the Crockpot:
Now, place the seasoned pork shoulder right on top of the onions in the crockpot. Squeeze the juice of the limes over the pork, and then pour the orange juice in along with the leftover orange halves for extra flavor.
5. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth around the pork, being careful not to pour it directly on top to keep the spice rub intact.
6. Let it Cook:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours. When it’s done, the pork should be super tender and easy to shred with a fork.
7. Shred the Pork:
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the pork right in the crockpot, mixing it with the delicious juices.
8. Optional Crispy Treat:
If you want your carnitas a bit crispy, transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the edges get nice and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your tasty carnitas in warm tortillas, garnishing with lime wedges and chopped cilantro if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or even chicken thighs, but keep in mind that they may not have the same richness and flavor. If using pork loin, reduce the cooking time slightly since it cooks faster and can dry out.
What if I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! You can substitute with taco seasoning if you’re low on spices. Just use about 3 tablespoons in place of the spice mix. You could also just stick to salt, pepper, and garlic to keep things simple.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze This Pork Carnitas?
Absolutely! Portion the cooled carnitas into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply heat them up in a skillet or microwave!
