Carnitas Crockpot Recipe
This slow-cooked Carnitas recipe uses pork shoulder simmered in a flavorful blend of orange juice, lime juice, and spices for tender, juicy pulled pork perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. The meat is cooked low and slow in a crockpot, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth carnitas with vibrant citrus and smoky chipotle notes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 4–5 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks for even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper to build a savory base.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional): In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the pork chunks into the crockpot. Add the sautéed onions and garlic if used, then pour in orange juice, lime juice, and sprinkle cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add bay leaves and optional chipotle peppers. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the pork, infusing it with the aromatic spices and citrus flavors.
- Shred the Meat: Remove pork from crockpot and shred it thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and mix with the cooking juices for extra moisture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Use the carnitas in tacos, burritos, or served over rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado slices for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- Trimming excess fat helps reduce greasiness but some fat is essential for flavor and moisture.
- Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding to the crockpot deepens the flavor but is optional.
- If using chipotle peppers, add gradually as they can bring significant heat.
- Leftover carnitas can be crisped in a hot skillet for a few minutes before serving for added texture.
- For a classic Mexican touch, garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped white onion when serving.
Keywords: Carnitas, Slow Cooker Pork, Pulled Pork, Mexican Recipe, Crockpot Dinner
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/carnitas-crockpot-recipe/
