Carnitas Mexican Slow Cooker: 1 Flavorful Pork

Carnitas Mexican Slow Cooker has always been my go-to for a truly effortless yet impressive meal. I remember the first time I tried making it; I was so worried about achieving that authentic, fall-apart tender texture, but my slow cooker made it unbelievably simple. The aroma of cumin and oregano filling my kitchen as the pork shoulder cooked low and slow was pure magic. This slow cooker carnitas recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful pork every single time, perfect for loading into warm tortillas. Let’s get this deliciousness cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Carnitas Mexican Slow Cooker

Get ready to fall in love with how simple and delicious homemade carnitas can be! Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

• Effortless preparation: It’s an easy carnitas slow cooker meal that requires minimal hands-on time.
• Incredibly tender pork: You’ll achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes for truly tender carnitas slow cooker results.
• Authentic flavor: The slow cooking process melds all the spices and aromatics for a genuine Mexican taste.
• Versatile serving: This shredded pork is fantastic for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even just piled high on a plate.
• Minimal cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in one pot, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.
• Foolproof results: Even if you’re new to slow cooking, this recipe guarantees delicious carnitas every time.

Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Carnitas Slow Cooker

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to unlocking the magic of this pork shoulder carnitas slow cooker recipe. The star, of course, is the pork shoulder, known for its perfect fat-to-meat ratio that yields incredibly juicy and tender results. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 pounds pork shoulder – a generous cut for plenty of deliciousness
• 2 teaspoons salt – essential for bringing out the pork’s natural flavor
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground adds the best kick
• 1 large onion, chopped – provides a sweet aromatic base
• 1 medium jalapeño, diced – for a touch of authentic Mexican heat; remove seeds to reduce spice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – the more garlic, the better, right?
• 1 cup orange juice – this is key for tenderizing and adding a subtle citrus note
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano – classic Mexican herb for that signature flavor
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin – adds warmth and earthiness
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for getting that perfect crispy finish

How to Make Carnitas Mexican Slow Cooker

Bringing authentic Mexican flavors into your home is surprisingly simple with this carnitas Mexican slow cooker recipe. The process is designed to be hands-off, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work to produce incredibly tender and flavorful pork. Get ready to transform a humble cut of pork into a culinary masterpiece.

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your pork shoulder. Rinse it under cool water and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for allowing the seasonings to adhere properly.
2. Step 2: Season the pork generously on all sides with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. In a small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon dried oregano and 1 tablespoon ground cumin. Rub this fragrant spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated.
3. Step 3: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker, positioning it with the fat cap facing upwards. This allows the fat to slowly render down into the meat, infusing it with moisture and flavor.
4. Step 4: Scatter the 1 large onion, chopped, 1 medium jalapeño, diced (seeds removed for less heat, if you prefer), and 4 cloves garlic, minced, around the pork in the slow cooker. Pour the 1 cup orange juice evenly over the pork and aromatics.
5. Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 10 hours or on the HIGH setting for 7 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is exceptionally tender and easily falls apart with a fork. The kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Step 6: Once tender, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Place it on a cutting board or in a shallow dish and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. This is how you get that perfect shredded pork carnitas slow cooker texture.
7. Step 7: For that irresistible crispy edge, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and delightfully crispy. Drizzle a little of the reserved cooking liquid over the pork as it crisps up. This step is essential for achieving the best texture for your slow cooker carnitas for tacos.

Pro Tips for the Best Carnitas Slow Cooker Recipe

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to ensure my carnitas are always a hit. These simple tips will elevate your slow cooker experience and guarantee delicious results every time. You can learn more about my cooking philosophy on my about me page.

• Don’t skip the browning step! Crisping the shredded pork in a skillet with a little olive oil is what gives carnitas that amazing texture contrast to the tender, slow-cooked meat.
• Use pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) for the best results. Its marbling and fat content are crucial for achieving juicy, flavorful carnitas.
• Season the pork generously before slow cooking. The salt and spices penetrate the meat during the long cooking time, creating deep flavor.
• Save some of the cooking liquid! A little splash of this flavorful liquid added to the shredded pork while crisping in the skillet adds extra moisture and taste.

What’s the secret to perfect Carnitas Mexican Slow Cooker?

The real secret to perfect authentic Mexican carnitas slow cooker results lies in the finishing step: crisping the shredded pork. This creates those delightful crunchy bits that everyone loves, balancing the tender, moist interior. For more insights into achieving perfect textures, you might find resources on pork shoulder cooking techniques helpful.

Can I make Slow Cooker Carnitas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season and prepare the pork shoulder up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator in the slow cooker insert. Just start the cooking process when you’re ready. If you have questions about recipes, feel free to contact us.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Easy Carnitas Slow Cooker?

A common pitfall is using lean pork, which can result in dry carnitas. Always opt for pork shoulder. Also, avoid overcooking; the meat should be tender but not mushy before shredding. For more detailed cooking advice, you can check out articles by our author.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Carnitas

Once you’ve got your tender, flavorful carnitas ready, the possibilities are endless! These slow cooker carnitas for tacos are a crowd-pleaser, piled high into warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. But don’t stop there! I love serving this shredded pork piled on top of fluffy rice and beans for a hearty Mexican bowl. You can also mix it into quesadillas, enchiladas, or even use it as a delicious filling for tortas. The rich flavor pairs beautifully with a side of fresh pico de gallo or a cool avocado crema. For more serving suggestions, explore our disclaimer page.

Nutrition Facts for Carnitas Mexican Slow Cooker

This recipe yields incredibly flavorful and satisfying carnitas, and here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving. The slow cooking method allows the pork shoulder to become tender and absorb all the delicious seasonings.

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Sodium: 500 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving sizes. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information on data usage.

How to Store and Reheat Shredded Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker

One of the best things about making a big batch of carnitas in the slow cooker is how well they store and reheat. This makes them perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have delicious Mexican pulled pork ready whenever you need it. After cooking and shredding, let the carnitas cool down for about 20-30 minutes before storing.

For fridge storage, place the cooled carnitas in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, transfer them to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, your slow cooker pulled pork carnitas can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. For reheating, the best method is to use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or the reserved cooking liquid until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them gently in the microwave, but you’ll miss out on that desirable crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Pulled Pork Slow Cooker

How do I make carnitas in slow cooker for the best flavor?

To achieve the best flavor when you make carnitas in slow cooker, use pork shoulder, season it generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano, and let it cook low and slow for the full duration. Don’t forget to crisp up the shredded pork in a skillet at the end – that’s where the magic happens!

Can I use a different cut of pork for this slow cooker carnitas recipe?

While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content, you can use pork butt or even pork loin in a pinch. However, pork loin is leaner and may not yield as tender or juicy results as the recommended pork shoulder for this slow cooker carnitas recipe.

What are the best toppings for slow cooker carnitas tacos?

For the ultimate slow cooker carnitas for tacos experience, I love a mix of fresh, bright toppings. Think finely chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of your favorite salsa or a creamy avocado crema. Pickled red onions also add a fantastic tangy crunch!

Why is my shredded pork carnitas slow cooker not crispy enough?

If your shredded pork carnitas slow cooker isn’t getting crispy, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Working in batches is key! Ensure you’re using medium-high heat and give the pork enough time to brown without stirring too much initially.

Variations of Tender Carnitas Slow Cooker You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic carnitas Mexican slow cooker recipe, you’ll want to explore some exciting variations. These twists can add new dimensions of flavor and cater to different preferences, ensuring you always have a new way to enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your journey to the perfect juicy carnitas slow cooker recipe:

• Spicy Chipotle Carnitas: For a smoky heat, add a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped) along with a tablespoon of the sauce to the slow cooker. This gives the pork a wonderful depth and a spicy kick that’s fantastic for tacos.
• Citrus-Herb Carnitas: Enhance the citrus notes by adding a lime and a few sprigs of fresh cilantro to the slow cooker along with the orange juice. This creates a brighter, more complex flavor profile that’s incredibly refreshing.
• Beer-Braised Carnitas: Swap out some of the orange juice for a dark beer like a Mexican lager or a stout. The beer adds a malty richness that complements the pork beautifully, making for a deeply savory experience.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Carnitas: For a plant-based option, try using young green jackfruit as a substitute for pork. Shred it and follow the same slow cooker and crisping method. It mimics the texture surprisingly well and is a delicious way to enjoy carnitas-style flavors.

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