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.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, citrus, and slow cooking creates deeply flavorful meat.
- Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does most of the work, making it ideal for busy days.
- Versatile Serving Options: Use carnitas in tacos, nachos, salads, or rice bowls.
- 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
- Season the Pork:
- Mix oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the spice blend generously over the pork shoulder.
- Prepare the Crockpot:
- Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeño pepper, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred:
- Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred using two forks.
- Reserve the cooking liquid for added flavor during crisping.
- 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
- Skipping Liquid: Don’t discard the cooking juices; they add flavor during crisping.
- Overcooking: Avoid cooking past fall-apart tenderness; it can dry out the meat.
- Underseasoning: Generously rub spices on all sides of the pork for maximum flavor.
Serving Tips
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Pork Shoulder: A good source of protein that helps build muscle and repair tissues.
- Garlic: Rich in antioxidants and known for its immune-boosting properties.
- Citrus Juices: Provide vitamin C to support immunity and skin health.
Summarized Recipe
- Season pork shoulder with a spice blend (oregano, cumin, chili powder).
- Place pork in a crockpot with onion, garlic, jalapeño pepper, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours until tender.
- Shred meat; broil with reserved liquid for crispy edges (optional).
- 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!
