Effortless Slow Cooker Carnitas: Authentic Flavor, Minimal Effort

Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, are a Mexican pulled pork dish originating from Michoacán. Traditionally, they are made by braising pork in lard until tender and then crisping it up in a hot pan or oven. This slow cooker version offers a significantly easier and more hands-off approach while still delivering incredible flavor and satisfying texture.

This recipe harnesses the power of the slow cooker to render the pork incredibly tender and juicy, followed by a quick broil or sear to achieve that characteristic crispy exterior. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, large gatherings, or whenever you crave authentic Mexican flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

## Why Slow Cooker Carnitas?

* **Ease of Preparation:** Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. No constant monitoring required.
* **Tender and Juicy Pork:** The low and slow cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissues in the pork, resulting in incredibly tender and moist meat.
* **Hands-Off Cooking:** Perfect for busy individuals or those who prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Carnitas are excellent for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch and use it in tacos, burritos, salads, and more throughout the week.
* **Impressive Flavor:** Despite the simplified method, this recipe captures the authentic flavor of traditional carnitas, with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet profile.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt):** This is the cut of pork traditionally used for carnitas due to its high fat content, which renders beautifully during the slow cooking process, adding flavor and moisture. If you cannot find a pork shoulder, you can use a pork loin, but the final product will not be as flavorful or tender.
* **1 large orange:** The juice and zest of the orange add a bright, citrusy note that complements the richness of the pork. Using both the juice and zest maximizes the orange flavor.
* **1 lime:** Similar to the orange, the lime juice provides acidity and balances the flavors. Use fresh lime juice for the best results.
* **1 yellow onion:** Quartered, the onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the braising liquid.
* **4-6 cloves garlic:** Minced or roughly chopped, garlic contributes a pungent and aromatic element to the carnitas.
* **1-2 jalapeños (optional):** For a touch of heat, add a jalapeño, seeded if you prefer less spice. The jalapeño infuses the pork with a subtle warmth.
* **1 tablespoon Mexican oregano:** Mexican oregano has a slightly different flavor profile than Mediterranean oregano, with a more citrusy and earthy note. If you cannot find Mexican oregano, regular oregano can be substituted, but use slightly less.
* **1 tablespoon ground cumin:** Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that is essential to Mexican cuisine.
* **1 teaspoon chili powder:** Chili powder provides a mild heat and adds depth of flavor. Use a chili powder blend that you enjoy.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and helps to tenderize the pork.
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Black pepper adds a touch of spice and balances the flavors.
* **1/2 cup chicken broth or water:** The liquid helps to create steam in the slow cooker, which helps to cook the pork evenly and prevents it from drying out.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for searing):** Used to crisp up the carnitas after slow cooking. High-heat oils like avocado oil are preferred, but olive oil can also be used.

## Equipment Needed

* **Slow cooker (6-quart or larger):** The slow cooker is the heart of this recipe. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the pork shoulder.
* **Large skillet or baking sheet:** For searing or broiling the carnitas.
* **Tongs:** For transferring the pork and shredding it.
* **Fork:** For shredding the pork.
* **Citrus juicer (optional):** For juicing the orange and lime.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Pork**

1. Remove the pork shoulder from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a better sear later on.
2. Trim off any large pieces of excess fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is desirable for flavor and moisture, too much can make the carnitas greasy. Leave a thin layer of fat on the pork.
3. Cut the pork shoulder into 4-6 large chunks. This will help it cook more evenly and speed up the cooking process. Cutting it into smaller pieces can result in drier meat.

**Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**

1. Place the quartered onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help to prevent the pork from sticking to the bottom.
2. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) to the slow cooker.
3. In a small bowl, combine the Mexican oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chunks, ensuring that they are evenly coated. This will infuse the pork with flavor during the slow cooking process.
5. Place the seasoned pork chunks on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
6. Zest the orange and lime directly over the pork in the slow cooker. The zest adds a concentrated citrus flavor.
7. Juice the orange and lime and pour the juice over the pork. The citrus juice will help to tenderize the pork and add brightness to the flavor.
8. Pour the chicken broth or water into the slow cooker. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the pork.

**Step 3: Slow Cook the Carnitas**

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it is easily shredded with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.
2. If cooking on low, check the pork after 8 hours. If it is not easily shredded, continue cooking for another hour or two.

**Step 4: Shred the Pork**

1. Once the pork is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs and place it in a large bowl.
2. Shred the pork using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.
3. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid in the slow cooker. You can use a spoon or a fat separator for this.

**Step 5: Crisp the Carnitas**

There are two ways to crisp up the carnitas: broiling or searing in a skillet. Both methods work well, so choose the one that you prefer.

**Broiling Method:**

1. Preheat your broiler to high.
2. Spread the shredded pork in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the pork with 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved braising liquid. This will help to keep it moist and add flavor.
4. Broil the pork for 3-5 minutes, or until it is browned and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning.

**Searing Method:**

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a portion of the shredded pork to the skillet and spread it in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the skillet.
3. Cook the pork for 3-5 minutes, or until it is browned and crispy on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is also browned and crispy.
4. Repeat with the remaining pork.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Serve the carnitas hot with your favorite toppings, such as:
* Warm tortillas
* Chopped cilantro
* Diced onion
* Salsa
* Guacamole
* Lime wedges
* Pickled onions
* Cotija cheese

## Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Carnitas

* **Don’t skip the searing/broiling step:** This is crucial for achieving the characteristic crispy exterior of carnitas. While the slow cooker makes the pork incredibly tender, it won’t provide the crispy texture.
* **Use a high-quality pork shoulder:** Look for a pork shoulder with good marbling (streaks of fat) throughout. This will result in a more flavorful and tender final product.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing:** Searing the pork in batches ensures that each piece gets crispy. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and result in steamed, rather than seared, pork.
* **Adjust the spice level to your preference:** If you’re sensitive to heat, use a mild chili powder or omit the jalapeño altogether. If you like it spicy, add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Don’t discard the braising liquid:** The braising liquid is full of flavor and can be used to keep the carnitas moist, add flavor to other dishes, or make a delicious sauce.
* **For extra crispy carnitas, try this:** After shredding the pork, toss it with a tablespoon or two of rendered pork fat (from the slow cooker) before broiling or searing. This will add extra flavor and help the carnitas to crisp up even more.
* **Make it ahead:** Carnitas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Tacos:** The classic way to enjoy carnitas. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
* **Burritos:** Fill a large tortilla with carnitas, rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
* **Salads:** Top a salad with carnitas for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* **Nachos:** Load tortilla chips with carnitas, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
* **Quesadillas:** Fill a quesadilla with carnitas and cheese for a quick and easy meal.
* **Bowls:** Create a carnitas bowl with rice, beans, your favorite toppings, and a flavorful sauce.
* **Sandwiches:** Use carnitas as a filling for sandwiches or sliders.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Cuts of Pork:** While pork shoulder is the most traditional cut, you can also use pork loin or pork tenderloin. However, these cuts are leaner and may result in drier carnitas. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
* **Different Citrus:** You can substitute other citrus fruits for the orange and lime, such as grapefruit or mandarins.
* **Different Spices:** Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or ancho chili powder.
* **Add Beer:** For a deeper, more complex flavor, add a bottle of Mexican beer to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
* **Pineapple:** Adding pineapple to the slow cooker can add a touch of sweetness and acidity.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating:** Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Skillet:** Reheat carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy.
* **Oven:** Reheat carnitas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat carnitas in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.

## Recipe Card

**Slow Cooker Carnitas**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
**Yields:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
* 1 large orange, juiced and zested
* 1 lime, juiced
* 1 yellow onion, quartered
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
* 1 tablespoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for searing)

**Instructions:**

1. Cut the pork shoulder into 4-6 large chunks.
2. In a slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, jalapeño (if using), Mexican oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
3. Place seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Zest the orange and juice the orange and lime over the pork. Pour in chicken broth or water.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until pork is easily shredded.
5. Remove pork and shred with two forks. Skim excess fat from braising liquid.
6. Crisp the carnitas using either the broiling or searing method described above.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make slow cooker carnitas! It’s sure to become a family favorite.