Slow Cooker Carnitas
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Slow Cooker Carnitas—perfectly tender pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection. This dish bursts with authentic taste thanks to a blend of spices and fresh ingredients. Whether stuffed in warm tortillas for Taco Tuesday or served over rice for a comforting family meal, these carnitas are sure to impress. Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight winner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water or broth
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onions until translucent; add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Season pork with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper; squeeze lime juice over meat.
- Transfer pork to the slow cooker along with sautéed onions, garlic, and water/broth.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until fork-tender.
- Shred the pork with two forks; for crispiness, broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/2 cup (125g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sear the pork before slow cooking. Experiment with citrus juices like orange or grapefruit for a different twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.