Ultimate Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas
Experience the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine with our Ultimate Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas. These tender and juicy 'little meats' are slow-cooked to perfection, allowing you to savor the rich flavors of cumin, garlic, and oregano. What sets this recipe apart is the final touch – crisping the carnitas on the stovetop for a deliciously crunchy exterior. Perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, or nachos, these carnitas elevate any dish while keeping your meal gluten-free when served with corn tortillas. The prep is simple, making it a convenient option for both busy weekdays and festive gatherings. Delight your family and friends with these mouthwatering carnitas that are sure to become a household favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cumin
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Garlic Powder
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Ground Coriander
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Kosher Salt
2 teaspoons (Coarse)
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Boneless Pork Shoulder or Boston Butt
4 lbs (Trimmed)
Large Onion
1 (Cut into large pieces)
Bay Leaves
2 (Whole)
Chicken Broth or Water
2 cups (Liquid)
Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (Liquid)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to create a flavorful dry rub.
2
Pat the pork shoulder or Boston butt dry with paper towels. Generously apply the dry rub all over the meat, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
3
Layer the onion pieces and bay leaves at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork on top.
4
Carefully pour the chicken broth or water around the roast without disturbing the dry rub. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours, or until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
5
Once the pork is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid for later use.
6
Shred the pork, discarding any excess fat. Place the shredded pork into a large non-stick skillet with the reserved cooking liquid.
7
Cook over medium-high heat while tossing occasionally, allowing the liquid to absorb completely, which enhances the flavor.
8
After the liquid has been absorbed, drizzle the oil into the skillet and stir-fry the carnitas for about 14-18 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
9
Serve the crispy carnitas with your favorite toppings, including corn or flour tortillas, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are carnitas?
Carnitas, which means "little meats" in Spanish, is a Mexican dish made by slow-cooking pork until it is tender and then frying it to achieve a crispy texture.
What is the best cut of pork for slow cooker carnitas?
The best cut is boneless pork shoulder or Boston butt because the fat content keeps the meat juicy during the long cooking process.
How long should I cook the pork in the slow cooker?
The pork should be cooked on low for 6 hours or until it shreds easily with a fork.
Why do I need to crisp the carnitas in a skillet?
Crisping the meat in a skillet with oil provides the authentic crunchy exterior that defines great carnitas, contrasting with the tender interior.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, provided you serve them with corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
What spices are used in the carnitas dry rub?
The dry rub consists of cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of water instead of chicken broth, though broth adds more depth of flavor.
How do I shred the pork?
Once the pork is cooked and slightly cooled, use two forks to pull the meat apart, discarding any large pieces of excess fat.
What should I do with the cooking liquid?
Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid to add back to the skillet while frying the pork; this helps the meat absorb more flavor.
What are the best toppings for crispy carnitas?
Popular toppings include fresh cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheese.
How much pork does this recipe require?
This recipe calls for 4 lbs of boneless pork shoulder or Boston butt.
Can I use bone-in pork shoulder?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork, but you will need to remove the bone and adjust the weight to ensure you have enough meat.
What type of oil is best for frying the carnitas?
Canola oil or vegetable oil are recommended as they have high smoke points suitable for stir-frying.
How do I store leftover carnitas?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I cook this on the high setting of my slow cooker?
While low is recommended for the most tender results, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours if you are short on time.
Should I sear the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
This recipe does not require pre-searing, as the meat is crisped in a skillet after it has been slow-cooked and shredded.
Can I make carnitas ahead of time?
Yes, you can slow cook and shred the pork a day in advance, then perform the final skillet crisping step just before serving.
What can I serve with carnitas besides tacos?
Carnitas are excellent in burritos, enchiladas, tamales, nachos, or even served over a salad or rice bowl.
Do I need to add the onion to the slow cooker?
Yes, the onion and bay leaves provide an aromatic base that infuses the meat with flavor during the 6-hour cook time.
How long does the crisping process take?
It typically takes 14-18 minutes of stir-frying in the skillet to reach the desired level of crispiness.
Is ground coriander necessary?
While it adds a traditional citrusy and floral note, you can omit it if necessary, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How many bay leaves should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 whole bay leaves placed at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Should I pat the meat dry?
Yes, patting the pork dry with paper towels helps the dry rub adhere better to the surface of the meat.
Can I use pork loin for this recipe?
Pork loin is much leaner than shoulder and may become dry or tough; pork shoulder is highly recommended for the best texture.
How do I avoid making the meat too salty?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of kosher salt for 4 lbs of meat; you can adjust this amount based on your preference or the saltiness of your broth.
Do I need to stir the slow cooker while it cooks?
No, you should keep the lid closed to maintain a consistent temperature; the meat will cook evenly on its own.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, but use about three times as much fresh oregano as dried, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What size should I cut the onion?
The onion should be cut into large pieces; its main purpose is to flavor the liquid and meat.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is flavorful but not spicy. To add heat, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dry rub.
How many people does 4 lbs of pork serve?
Depending on the portion size and how it is served (tacos vs plates), 4 lbs of pork typically serves 8 to 10 people.