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Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas


  • Author: Mari
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 Servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A flavorful Mexican dish where tender, slow-cooked pork is crisped to perfection, perfect for tacos or burritos.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 34 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt (trimmed of fat cap, cut into chunks)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 onion , chopped
  • 1 jalapeño , seeded and chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 2. Season the pork shoulder chunks with salt and pepper.
  3. 3. Sear the pork in the skillet until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. 4. Transfer the pork to the slow cooker along with the liquids from the skillet.
  5. 5. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and jalapeño (if using) to the slow cooker, surrounding the pork.
  6. 6. Pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice over the pork.
  7. 7. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  8. 8. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  9. 9. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  10. 10. Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and drizzle with some of the cooking juices.
  11. 11. Broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the edges are crispy.
  12. 12. Serve the crispy carnitas with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Notes

For additional flavor, consider using smoked paprika or chipotle powder instead of regular chili powder.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 400
  • Fat: 10
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 12
  • Cholesterol: 25

Keywords: crispy carnitas, Mexican pork carnitas, slow cooker carnitas