Citrus-Infused Pork Carnitas
Transform your family dinner with this delightful Citrus-Infused Pork Carnitas recipe, perfect for the slow cooker! This version of carnitas combines the rich flavors of tender, braised pork shoulder with the bright, zesty notes of fresh oranges, creating a dish that is both savory and refreshing. Ideal for families, this recipe is mild enough for young children, but you can easily amp up the heat with your favorite peppers. Serve it on warm, toasted corn tortillas, topped with creamy homemade guacamole, fragrant cilantro, crisp green onions, and vibrant salsa verde. This fuss-free meal is perfect for busy weeknights or serve it as a crowd-pleaser during family gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork shoulder
3 lbs (cut into 2-inch pieces)
whole orange
1 medium (sliced into wheels)
white onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic
4 teaspoons (diced)
fresh cracked pepper
to taste
Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up salt
to taste
corn tortillas
20 small
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Pork Carnitas?
It is a delightful slow-cooked dish featuring tender, braised pork shoulder infused with the bright, zesty notes of fresh oranges.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 3 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, which is ideal for slow cooking.
How should the pork shoulder be prepared?
The pork shoulder should be cut into 2-inch pieces before being placed in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this version is mild enough for young children, but you can add peppers if you prefer more heat.
How is the citrus flavor achieved?
The flavor is infused using one medium whole orange sliced into wheels and cooked with the meat.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up salt to taste.
How many tortillas does this recipe require?
It requires approximately 20 small corn tortillas.
What are the recommended toppings for Citrus-Infused Pork Carnitas?
Recommended toppings include homemade guacamole, fragrant cilantro, crisp green onions, and vibrant salsa verde.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker or crock pot.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep and busy weeknights.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of diced garlic.
What type of onion should I use?
One medium white onion, chopped, is used for this recipe.
How should I serve the tortillas?
The corn tortillas should be served warm and toasted.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for families and mild enough for children.
What texture should the pork have?
The pork should be tender and braised until it can be easily shredded.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
While the recipe specifies corn tortillas, you can substitute flour tortillas if preferred.
How do I make the carnitas crispy?
After slow cooking, you can briefly broil the shredded meat in the oven to get crispy edges.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a combination of savory, rich pork flavors and refreshing, zesty citrus notes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this a Tex-Mex recipe?
Yes, it is categorized under Tex-Mex and Tacos.
Can I add peppers to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily amp up the heat by adding your favorite peppers to the mix.
What should I do with the orange wheels after cooking?
The orange wheels are used for infusion; they can be discarded before serving the meat.
Does this recipe use fresh or ground pepper?
The recipe calls for fresh cracked pepper to taste.
How long does it take to prepare?
While it is a slow cooker recipe, the active prep time involves chopping and slicing, making it a quick meal to start.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this dish is a great crowd-pleaser and can be doubled if your slow cooker is large enough.
Is there any added liquid in the recipe?
The recipe relies on the natural juices of the pork and the moisture from the orange wheels.
Can I use pre-cut pork stew meat?
Yes, as long as it is pork shoulder (butt), it will work well for this recipe.
What makes the salsa verde vibrant?
Using fresh tomatillos and herbs in your salsa verde will provide the vibrant color and taste recommended.
Can I use garlic powder instead of diced garlic?
Fresh diced garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but 1 teaspoon of powder can replace the 4 teaspoons of fresh if needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but check the labels on your corn tortillas and Jane's Krazy salt to ensure they are certified.