Are you ready to transform your dinner table into a fiesta of flavors? Our Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine right to your home! Imagine tender, juicy pork that practically melts in your mouth, infused with zesty citrus and aromatic spices, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting dish, these carnitas will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy yet delectable recipe that promises to be the highlight of any meal!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Juice the orange and lime, ensuring to remove any seeds.
- In a large bowl, combine the juiced orange and lime, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks, about 3-4 inches. This will help it cook evenly and become tender.
- Place the pork shoulder chunks in the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or ideally, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- In a large slow cooker, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Spread them evenly across the bottom.
- Place the marinated pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. Pour any remaining marinade over the pork.
- Add the bay leaves to the slow cooker, distributing them evenly among the pork pieces.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and flavorful.
- After 8 hours, check the pork for tenderness. It should easily shred with a fork. If it's not tender enough, continue cooking for an additional hour.
- Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Discard the bay leaves.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. You can also use your hands if you prefer.
- If desired, you can crisp up the shredded pork. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are crispy.
- Serve the carnitas warm with tortillas, and your choice of toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, allow the pork to marinate for several hours or overnight. This will enhance the flavors and make the meat even more tender.
- Cut the Pork Properly: Cutting the pork shoulder into larger chunks (3-4 inches) helps it cook evenly and become tender. This also makes it easier to shred later.
- Layer Wisely: Start by placing chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the pork from sticking.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: Cooking on low for 8 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the pork to become incredibly tender. Avoid the temptation to cook it on high; patience is key!
- Crisp it Up: For an extra layer of texture, crisp the shredded pork in the oven after slow cooking. Just spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Toppings Galore: Serve your carnitas with a variety of toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa to let everyone customize their tacos.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, use them in burritos, salads, or as a filling for quesadillas. The possibilities are endless!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 610kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
