Simple Crock Pot Carnitas
Transform your taco nights with this irresistibly tender and flavorful Simple Crock Pot Carnitas recipe! This easy, no-fuss dish starts with a succulent pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection in a vibrant blend of freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, savory chicken broth, and spices like smoked paprika and cumin. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth pork that's perfect for shredding and, if desired, crisping in the oven for an unbeatable texture. Whether you pile it into tacos, roll it into burritos, or serve it with rice and beans, these carnitas are sure to be a hit at any meal. With just 15 minutes of prep and the magic of your slow cooker, this recipe is a go-to for effortless, restaurant-quality Mexican-inspired cuisine at home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in)
- 0.5 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
- 0.25 cups lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 cups chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional for crisping)
Instructions
Trim any excessive fat off the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks (about 3-4 inches each).
In a large bowl or directly in a slow cooker, combine orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Place the pork shoulder chunks in the slow cooker and pour the liquid mixture over them. Ensure the pork is coated evenly.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shredable.
Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Shred the pork using two forks.
Optional step for crisping: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the shredded pork evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the pork and place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy.
Serve hot in tacos, burritos, or alongside rice and beans. Garnish with your favorite toppings, like cilantro, diced onions, or lime wedges.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
630 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.2 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 159 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 854 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.9 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 41.9 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 44 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 734 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
