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Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe: Perfectly Shredded Pork

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Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish featuring tender, flavorful shredded pork. This easy crockpot recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy authentic carnitas with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures juicy, fall-apart pork, while a quick broil adds crispy edges for texture. Carnitas are versatile and can be served in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even as a standalone dish.

Crockpot Caranitas

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  1. Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, citrus, and slow cooking creates deeply flavorful meat.
  2. Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does most of the work, making it ideal for busy days.
  3. Versatile Serving Options: Use carnitas in tacos, nachos, salads, or rice bowls.
  4. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or parties.

Interesting Facts About Carnitas

  • Carnitas originated in Michoacán, Mexico, where they are traditionally cooked in large copper pots with lard.
  • The dish is often associated with celebrations and gatherings due to its ability to feed large groups.
  • In Mexico, carnitas are commonly served with tortillas, salsa verde, and pickled onions.

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely diced
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • Juice of 1 lime

Method of Preparation

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season the Pork:
    • Mix oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
    • Rub the spice blend generously over the pork shoulder.
  2. Prepare the Crockpot:
    • Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker.
    • Add diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeño pepper, orange juice, and lime juice.
  3. Cook:
    • Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
  4. Shred:
    • Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred using two forks.
    • Reserve the cooking liquid for added flavor during crisping.
  5. Crisp (Optional):
    • Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet.
    • Pour 1 cup of reserved liquid over the meat.
    • Broil for 5–10 minutes until crispy edges form.

Cooking Tips

  • Choose Pork Shoulder: Its higher fat content ensures juicy carnitas.
  • Don’t Skip Citrus: Orange and lime juice balance the spices with subtle sweetness and acidity.
  • Monitor Broiling: Keep an eye on the meat to prevent burning while crisping.

Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Skipping Liquid: Don’t discard the cooking juices; they add flavor during crisping.
  2. Overcooking: Avoid cooking past fall-apart tenderness; it can dry out the meat.
  3. Underseasoning: Generously rub spices on all sides of the pork for maximum flavor.

Serving Tips

Health Benefits of Ingredients

  1. Pork Shoulder: A good source of protein that helps build muscle and repair tissues.
  2. Garlic: Rich in antioxidants and known for its immune-boosting properties.
  3. Citrus Juices: Provide vitamin C to support immunity and skin health.

Summarized Recipe

  1. Season pork shoulder with a spice blend (oregano, cumin, chili powder).
  2. Place pork in a crockpot with onion, garlic, jalapeño pepper, orange juice, and lime juice.
  3. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours until tender.
  4. Shred meat; broil with reserved liquid for crispy edges (optional).
  5. Serve warm with tortillas and toppings.

Carnitas is more than just a dish—it’s an experience rooted in Mexican tradition that brings people together over its irresistible flavor and versatility. Whether you’re hosting Taco Tuesday or preparing a hearty meal for loved ones, this easy crockpot carnitas recipe is sure to impress!

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