Description
A perfectly tender and flavorful pork dish with crispy edges, this slow-cooked carnitas is the ultimate comfort food. Cooked low and slow, then crisped up for that irresistible texture, it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or just served with rice and beans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cinnamon.
- Step 2: Place the onions, garlic, and bay leaves in the slow cooker. Add the seasoned pork, followed by orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
- Step 4: Shred the pork with two forks and transfer to a baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 450°F for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pork is crispy and golden.
- Step 5: Serve in tacos, burritos, or on top of rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the pork before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Add fruit like pineapple or apple for a sweet twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker, Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg