Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe
Why should you try this Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas recipe? First off, it’s incredibly easy to make.
I love that I can throw everything into my slow cooker and let it do the work while I go about my day. The aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible!
Plus, the end result is tender, flavorful pork that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on its own. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a hit for gatherings.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delicious and effortless meal!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
When it comes to making delicious Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas, the magic truly begins with the ingredients. Gather these simple yet flavorful items, and you’ll be well on your way to a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Trust me, nothing beats the savory aroma wafting through your home as this dish cooks away. So, let’s get started by checking off what you’ll need.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 lbs pork shoulder, excess fat trimmed
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 onions, quartered
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 2 limes, juice of
Now, before you dash off to the grocery store, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. The spices are essential—they’re what give your pork that authentic, rich flavor that makes carnitas so special.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even experiment with other spices, like smoked paprika or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
And don’t skimp on the citrus juices; they add a brightness that balances the richness of the pork beautifully. If you can’t find pork shoulder, other cuts like pork butt can work too, but just make sure to keep that fat in check because it helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Alright, let’s plunge into the world of Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas, shall we? It’s a lot easier than you might think, and I promise, it’s so worth it.
First things first, you’ll want to grab that glorious 4 lbs of pork shoulder. Trim off any excess fat—nobody wants to chew on a mouthful of grease, right?
Now, in a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. This spice blend is your secret weapon; it’s what turns plain pork into a flavor explosion. Get your hands dirty and rub that mixture all over the pork shoulder, really working it in. Think of it like giving the pork a nice spa day, except it’s going to be a bit more delicious than a facial.
Next up, we’re going to assemble our slow cooker masterpiece. Toss in the seasoned pork shoulder, along with 4 peeled garlic cloves and 2 quartered onions.
Now, here’s where the magic happens: squeeze the juice from 2 oranges and 2 limes over everything. Just picture that citrusy goodness soaking into the meat—absolute bliss. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 8 hours, or if you’re in a pinch, you can crank it to high for about 4 to 5 hours.
While it’s cooking, feel free to kick back and binge-watch your favorite show, or maybe tackle that laundry you’ve been avoiding. Just don’t forget about it, or you might end up with something resembling a science experiment instead of dinner.
Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the pork. Carefully remove that tender, juicy shoulder from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks—no fancy shredding gadgets needed. Just let it fall apart like it’s meant to.
Return the shredded pork to the pot, mixing it with those delicious juices. Give it a little taste, and if it needs a pinch more salt or pepper, now’s the time to adjust. Cover it and keep it warm for another 30 minutes.
Then, to get that perfect crispy edge, preheat your oven to broil. Spread the carnitas onto a baking sheet and broil them for about 3 to 4 minutes—just until they’re beautifully crisped.
And there you have it! Serve them up with your favorite tortillas, some fresh salsa, and enjoy the accolades from your family and friends. Who knew making carnitas could be this fun?
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Substitutions & Variations
Creating Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas opens the door to a world of delicious possibilities, and I love experimenting with different ingredients to make this dish my own.
For a twist, I sometimes swap pork shoulder for beef chuck or chicken thighs, which still yield tender results. Adding spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder gives it a smoky kick.
I’ve also replaced orange juice with pineapple juice for a sweeter flavor. If I want a herbaceous touch, fresh cilantro or jalapeños work wonders.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste—cooking is all about personal creativity!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
If you’re wondering what to serve alongside your Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas, I’ve got some tasty suggestions that can elevate your meal.
I love pairing them with warm corn tortillas for a classic touch. You can also whip up a revitalizing cabbage slaw with lime juice and cilantro to add crunch.
A side of black beans or Mexican rice complements the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget some fresh salsa or guacamole for dipping!
For a bit of heat, consider serving pickled jalapeños on the side. These options not only enhance the carnitas but also create a vibrant, satisfying dining experience.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas turn out perfectly, I recommend a few key tips. First, make sure you trim excess fat from the pork shoulder; this helps avoid greasy carnitas.
Don’t skip the broiling step; it adds that delicious crispy texture. Feel free to adjust spices according to your preference—experimenting can lead to delightful discoveries!
If you have time, let the meat marinate in the spice mix overnight for deeper flavor.
Finally, keep any leftovers in an airtight container; they taste even better the next day. Enjoy your carnitas with fresh toppings for a tasty meal!