Name: Crockpot Pork Carnitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ¼ cup fresh lime juice; ½ cup fresh orange juice; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp olive oil (for crisping); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground cumin; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed; Salt and pepper, to taste

Crockpot Pork Carnitas is a healthy, flavorful dinner featuring tender, juicy pork slow-cooked with citrus and spices. Shredded and crisped, these versatile carnitas are perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads, delivering authentic Mexican flavors with minimal effort for a wholesome meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Pork Carnitas is a game-changer for busy nights, offering bold Mexican flavors with minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker transforms affordable pork shoulder into tender, juicy perfection, infused with zesty citrus and warm spices. After a quick crisp under the broiler, these carnitas become irresistibly versatile—perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads. This healthy, low-carb dish is naturally gluten-free, family-friendly, and ideal for meal prep, making it a delicious, stress-free addition to your dinner rotation that everyone will rave about.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder or butt ensures tender, shreddable results due to its fat content.

Trim Excess Fat: Remove large fat pieces to keep the dish leaner without sacrificing flavor.
Use Fresh Citrus: Fresh orange and lime juice provide vibrant, authentic flavor.
Don’t Skip the Broil: Crisping the pork under the broiler adds the signature carnitas texture.

Reserve Cooking Liquid: Save some liquid to keep shredded pork moist during storage or reheating.
Season Generously: Adjust spices to taste, as slow cooking mellows flavors over time.
Shred Easily: Use two forks or a stand mixer for quick, even shredding.

Serve Immediately: Crisped carnitas are best enjoyed hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Yield: 8 Servings

Crockpot Pork Carnitas

Crockpot Pork Carnitas: tender, citrus-infused pork slow-cooked and crisped, perfect for healthy tacos or bowls.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup fresh lime juice
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 large onion, chopped
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp olive oil (for crisping)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into large chunks for even cooking.

Season the Meat: Rub pork with chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
Layer the Crockpot: Place chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add Pork and Liquids: Nestle pork chunks on top, then pour orange and lime juice over the meat.

Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until pork is tender and easily shreddable.
Shred the Pork: Remove pork to a large bowl and shred using two forks or a stand mixer.
Reserve Cooking Liquid: Strain ½ cup of cooking liquid from the crockpot to keep pork moist.

Crisp the Carnitas: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and reserved liquid, and broil for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Check Crispiness: Flip pork halfway through broiling to ensure even browning and crisp edges.
Serve with Joy: Pile carnitas into tacos, bowls, or salads, garnish with cilantro or avocado, and dig in!

Notes

Save extra cooking liquid to drizzle over leftovers for added moisture and flavor.
Serve with Paleo-friendly sides like cauliflower rice or grilled veggies for a complete meal.
Adjust broiling time to avoid burning; watch closely for perfect crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 700Total Fat 50gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 204mgSodium 221mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 53g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Pork Shoulder (3-4 lbs, boneless): Ideal for slow cooking; provides tender, flavorful meat for shredding.

Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds savory depth and subtle sweetness to the dish.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses rich, aromatic flavor; fresh is best for potency.
Orange Juice (½ cup): Brings bright, citrusy notes; freshly squeezed enhances authenticity.

Lime Juice (¼ cup): Adds tangy freshness to balance the richness of the pork.
Chili Powder (1 tbsp): Provides mild heat and smoky flavor; adjust for spice preference.
Cumin (1 tsp): Adds warm, earthy notes essential for Mexican-inspired dishes.

Oregano (1 tsp, dried): Contributes herbaceous depth; Mexican oregano is ideal if available.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances overall flavor; season generously before cooking.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp, for crisping): Used to crisp pork under the broiler; avocado oil works too.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs or beef chuck roast for a different protein option.
Citrus Variations: Swap orange juice for grapefruit or pineapple juice for a unique twist.
Spice Adjustments: Add chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a smokier, spicier flavor.

Low-Sodium Option: Reduce salt and use low-sodium broth if watching sodium intake.
Paleo-Friendly: Ensure all spices are free of additives to comply with Paleo guidelines.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute pork with jackfruit for a plant-based carnitas alternative.

Spicy Kick: Include diced jalapeños or cayenne for extra heat.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain texture. Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of reserved cooking liquid.