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Slow Cooker Carnitas


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  • Author: Kelley Simmons
  • Total Time: 315 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Fall-apart tender pork, crisped to perfection. Perfect for tacos, tortas, or just a bowl!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4-5 lbs (1816-2268 g) pork shoulder/pork butt trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium onion (roughly chopped)
  • 1 (113 g) can diced green chiles
  • 1 cup (237 ml) chicken broth
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp oregano

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the pork and sear on each side until browned, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  2. Transfer pork to a large slow cooker.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is tender.
  4. Remove the bay leaves.
  5. Remove the meat from the slow cooker and shred. Make sure to keep the liquid.
  6. Transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes, or until crispy.
  7. Remove from the oven and pour ¼ cup of the reserved juices from the slow cooker onto the crispy pork and toss.
  8. Place the baking sheet back in the broiler for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meat is crispy. Pour an additional ¼ cup liquid over the crispy pork and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the lime juice, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes before searing.
  • If your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to cook the pork in two batches.
  • Leftover carnitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 300 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 20
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 40
  • Cholesterol: 100