Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas is a mouthwatering Mexican dish where tender, juicy pork is slow-cooked to perfection, then crisped up to golden, caramelized perfection. This flavorful and versatile dish is seasoned with citrus, garlic, and spices, making it the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. With minimal prep time and the ease of using a slow cooker, pork carnitas is an excellent option for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether served in warm tortillas or as a topping for salads and rice bowls, these pork carnitas are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Warm tortillas, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then rub it with olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
2. Add to slow cooker: Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth around the pork.
3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
4. Shred the pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid and reserve some of the liquid for extra flavor.
5. Crisp the carnitas: For crispy edges, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork to the skillet in batches and cook until the edges are crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Drizzle with a little of the reserved cooking liquid for added moisture and flavor.
6. Serve: Serve the pork carnitas in warm tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, and your favorite taco toppings like salsa, avocado, or lime wedges.

These Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are tender, flavorful, and versatile, making them the perfect go-to dish for taco nights or any time you crave authentic Mexican flavors!