Ultimate Slow Cooker Carnitas
Experience the flavors of Mexico with this Ultimate Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe. This dish transforms a humble pork shoulder into succulent, tender meat that simply falls apart. Infused with a robust blend of spices and fresh citrus, these carnitas are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for a variety of meals. Whether served in tacos, burritos, or on a bed of rice, this recipe guarantees that your family and friends will be begging for more. The slow cooking process allows the spices to penetrate the pork, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Share the taste of home-cooked goodness with loved ones and enjoy the satisfaction of a meal well made.
8
Servings
405
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chili Powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
Dried Oregano
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Pork Shoulder
4 lbs (excess fat trimmed)
Garlic Cloves
4 (peeled)
Onions
2 (quartered)
Oranges
2 (juiced)
Limes
2 (juiced)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, thoroughly combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2
Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
3
Place the garlic cloves and quartered onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
4
Pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice and lime juice.
5
Add the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
7
Once cooked, remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks.
8
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the juices. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
9
Cover and let the carnitas rest in the juices for an additional 30 minutes on the warm setting.
10
Preheat your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with foil.
11
Spread the shredded carnitas evenly on the baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
12
Serve the carnitas hot with your favorite taco toppings or as desired.
Nutrition Information
28g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in the Ultimate Slow Cooker Carnitas?
The main ingredient is 4 lbs of pork shoulder with excess fat trimmed.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 405 calories.
How long should the pork cook on the low setting?
The pork should cook on low for 8 hours until tender.
What is the cook time if using the high setting?
On the high setting, the carnitas will take 4-5 hours.
Which spices are included in the dry rub?
The dry rub consists of chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper.
How much chili powder is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, peeled.
What type of citrus juices are added to the slow cooker?
The recipe uses the juice of 2 oranges and 2 limes.
How should the onions be prepared?
The 2 onions should be quartered before being placed in the slow cooker.
How do you achieve a crispy texture for the meat?
Spread the shredded meat on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 28g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving of carnitas?
Each serving provides 30g of protein.
Are there many carbohydrates in this dish?
No, there are only 2.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the pork be shredded?
The pork should be shredded using two forks once it is tender.
What should I do after shredding the pork?
Return the meat to the slow cooker and let it rest in the juices for 30 minutes on the warm setting.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates null values for fiber and sugar.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Combine the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Where should the garlic and onions be placed in the slow cooker?
They should be placed at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the meat.
Should the pork be seasoned before or after putting it in the cooker?
The pork should be generously rubbed with the spice mixture before being placed in the cooker.
Can I serve these carnitas in tacos?
Yes, they are perfect for tacos, burritos, or served on a bed of rice.
What kind of oregano is used?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
How much cumin is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Pork.
Is salt added to the rub or to taste?
Salt is added to the rub 'to taste'.
What preparation is needed for the pork shoulder?
The excess fat should be trimmed from the 4 lb pork shoulder.
How many oranges are juiced for this recipe?
Two oranges are juiced.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
The ingredient count is 10.
Should I use a baking sheet for the final step?
Yes, a baking sheet lined with foil is used for broiling the meat.
How long does the meat rest on the warm setting?
The meat rests for an additional 30 minutes to absorb the juices.