Pork carnitas –If you’re in the mood for something irresistibly delicious and comforting, look no further than this Pork Carnitas recipe. Perfectly seasoned, slow-cooked pork that you can shred and serve in tacos, burritos, or right on a plate with your favorite sides. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or for your next gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress!
Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
This dish features tender pork that’s packed with flavor. The slow-cooking process allows the spices and juices to meld beautifully, resulting in a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds of pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced (reserve peel)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Optional toppings: diced onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Rub this spice mixture all over the pieces of pork, ensuring every chunk is coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork and sear on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it to save time.
- Transfer the pork into a slow cooker. Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Toss in the reserved orange peels for added flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. You can mix some of the cooking liquid back into the meat for extra moisture.
- Serve the pulled pork in warm tortillas, topped with your favorite ingredients like diced onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa.
- Enjoy your homemade Pork Carnitas with friends and family!
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Pork Carnitas is bound to become a favorite dish! So gather your ingredients, throw everything in the slow cooker, and get ready for a feast.