Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe | Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker Recipe

Discover the irresistible flavors of Mexican cuisine with our mouthwatering Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe. This beloved dish delivers tender, juicy pork infused with zesty spices, perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or enjoying on its own.

Why You'll Love This Hands-Off Recipe

• Flavorful and Tender. Slow-cooked to perfection, our Carnitas are packed with flavor and boast melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that will leave you coming back for seconds.
• Convenient and Effortless. Let your slow cooker do all the work as the pork simmers low and slow, filling your home with tantalizing aromas and ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing. Whether served as tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or alongside rice and beans, Carnitas are a versatile dish that caters to everyone's taste buds, making them ideal for feeding a crowd.

What Is The Best Meat To Use For Carnitas?

The best meat to use for Carnitas is pork shoulder. This cut is well-marbled with fat and has a good amount of connective tissue, which makes it ideal for slow cooking methods like braising or roasting.

This cut of meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow, resulting in succulent and juicy Carnitas with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What Is The Difference Between Pulled Pork And Carnitas?

Pulled pork and carnitas are both delicious dishes made from slow-cooked pork, but they originate from different culinary traditions and have distinct flavor profiles and cooking methods. Here are the main differences between pulled pork and carnitas:

• Culinary Origin
  • Pulled Pork- Pulled pork is a dish that originated in the southern United States, particularly in regions like the Carolinas and Tennessee. It is a staple of barbecue cuisine in the American South.
  • Carnitas- Carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish, hailing from the state of Michoacán. They are a popular street food in Mexico and are often enjoyed in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish.
• Seasoning and Flavorings
  • Pulled Pork- Pulled pork is often seasoned with a dry rub or marinade containing ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. It is then typically smoked or slow-roasted over wood for hours until tender and flavorful.
  • Carnitas- Carnitas are seasoned with a combination of spices and aromatics such as garlic, onion, bay leaves, cumin, and oregano. They are traditionally cooked in lard or rendered pork fat until the meat is tender and the edges are crispy, resulting in a rich and savory flavor with a hint of citrus.

Do You Need To Sear Pork Before Slow Cooking?

Whether or not you choose to sear the pork before slow cooking depends on your personal preference.

If you have the time and inclination to do so, it's worth considering for an extra layer of flavor, but if you're looking for a more hands-off approach, you can certainly skip it and still enjoy a delicious dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Pork Shoulder- Use boneless pork shoulder for the best results. The marbling in these cuts ensures moist and flavorful carnitas.
• Citrus- Fresh orange and lime juice infuse the pork with bright, tangy flavors, while the zest adds aromatic notes.
• Spices- A blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder provides depth and complexity to the dish.
• Onion and Garlic- These aromatic ingredients complement the flavors of the pork and spices, adding savory sweetness and depth.
• Bay Leaves- Bay leaves impart a subtle herbal flavor that enhances the overall taste of the carnitas.
• Salt and Pepper- Season the pork generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.

How To Make Slow Cooker Carnitas

1. Prepare the Pork. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the Marinade. In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and minced garlic.
3. Add to the Slow Cooker. Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it. Add sliced onions, bay leaves, and chicken broth.
4. Cook Low and Slow. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred and Broil. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil until the edges are crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy. Serve the Carnitas in tacos, burritos, or as a topping for nachos, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for making delicious slow cooker carnitas:

• Trim Excess Fat. While pork shoulder is inherently fatty, it's a good idea to trim excess fat before cooking to prevent the dish from becoming overly greasy.
• Season Generously. Don't skimp on the seasoning! Carnitas should be flavorful, so be generous with spices like cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. You can also add fresh garlic, onion, bay leaves, and citrus (such as orange and lime juice) for extra flavor.
• Use a Slow Cooker Liner. Consider using a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. This will save you time and effort when it comes to washing the slow cooker after cooking.

Variations

Slow cooker carnitas are incredibly versatile, and there are numerous variations you can try to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Here are some delicious variations to consider:

• Chipotle Carnitas- Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker along with the pork for a smoky and spicy twist on traditional carnitas. You can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the level of heat.
• Pineapple Carnitas- Incorporate chunks of fresh pineapple into the slow cooker along with the pork for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast. The natural sweetness of the pineapple pairs beautifully with the savory pork.
• Honey Lime Carnitas- Add honey and lime juice to the seasoning mixture for a hint of sweetness and acidity. The combination of honey and lime adds brightness to the dish and balances out the richness of the pork.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow Cooker Carnitas pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Serve the Carnitas in warm tortillas with toppings such as diced onions, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and salsa.
• Enjoy them with Mexican rice and beans for a classic and satisfying combination.
• Make Carnitas bowls by serving the pork over cilantro lime rice or quinoa and topping it with black beans, roasted corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
• Serve the Carnitas as a topping for loaded nachos with melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole.

How Long Do They Last?

Slow Cooker Carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Can You Freeze Them?

Slow Cooker Carnitas freeze well and can be stored in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

• Slow Cooker Chili
• Chicken Stroganoff
• Slow Cooker Chicken Saag
• Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
• Crock Pot Ham

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