Savory Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas Recipe to Savor

Imagine walking into a home filled with the mouthwatering aroma of Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas. The scent wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds with hints of citrus and spices that promise an unforgettable meal. Picture succulent chunks of pork, fall-apart tender, waiting to be devoured in warm tortillas or atop a bed of rice.

Now, let me take you back to a sunny Saturday afternoon when my family gathered for a taco feast. I decided to whip up some Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas, and as soon as the lid came off, even the dog sat up, ears perked like he was auditioning for a food commercial. The anticipation was palpable—who could resist such deliciousness?

I remember my cousin sneaking back for seconds (and thirds), her smile wide as she piled more onto her plate. It’s moments like those that make cooking so rewarding.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking; it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.

• Onion: One large onion adds sweetness and depth; make sure to chop it finely for even cooking.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring robust flavor; you can’t have too much garlic in carnitas!

• Oregano: Use dried Mexican oregano if possible; it has a distinct flavor that elevates the dish.

• Cumin: This spice gives the carnitas a warm earthiness; I suggest using ground cumin for a smoother texture.

• Orange Juice: Adds brightness and acidity; fresh-pressed is best but bottled works in a pinch.

• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds zing; don’t skip it—it balances the flavors beautifully.

• Bay Leaves: These enhance the overall aroma; toss them into the pot whole for subtle flavor infusion.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust them according to taste toward the end of cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas

Prepare your Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas with these simple steps:

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut it into large chunks to ensure even cooking throughout.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté chopped onions until they soften and become translucent. Toss in minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

Add Spices: Sprinkle in oregano and cumin while stirring constantly until aromatic—this usually takes about one minute. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Combine Everything in the Crock Pot: Place pork chunks in your crock pot along with sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in orange juice and lime juice, then add bay leaves followed by salt and pepper.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crock pot and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Your house will smell fantastic as it cooks!

Shred and Serve: Once done, shred the meat using two forks right inside the pot. Mix everything together before serving hot on tortillas or rice.

Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas are not just food; they’re an experience wrapped in flavor! Perfectly juicy pieces topped with your favorite fixings are bound to make everyone feel at home. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the pork for rich flavor before adding to your slow cooker. Layer in onions, garlic, and spices for a deep taste throughout. Cook on low for at least eight hours to achieve melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika or chipotle for an extra kick. You can also swap out traditional orange juice for pineapple juice, giving your carnitas a unique sweet twist that surprises everyone at the table.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for crispy edges or microwave for convenience, ensuring they’re heated thoroughly.

Cooking these carnitas reminds me of my first fiesta at home; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were! It felt great sharing something I created from scratch.

FAQ

What cut of meat is best for Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas?

Pork shoulder is ideal due to its fat content and tenderness when cooked slowly.

Can I use a different cooking method instead of slow-cooking?

Yes, you can pressure cook them for about 60-90 minutes if short on time.

How do I make my carnitas crispy?

Broil them briefly after cooking to achieve that desirable crispy texture on top.

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Succulent Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas

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Indulge in the rich flavors of Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas, where tender pork is infused with zesty citrus and aromatic spices. This easy-to-make dish transforms your family dinners or taco nights into a flavorful fiesta. Simply shred the meat after cooking and serve it in warm tortillas or over rice for an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lb pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks.
2. In a skillet, sauté chopped onions in oil until translucent, then add minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in oregano and cumin until aromatic (about 1 minute).
4. Place pork chunks in a crock pot with sautéed onions and garlic. Add orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
6. Shred the meat with two forks right inside the pot before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
• Calories: 239
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, sear the pork before placing it in the slow cooker. Experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle for a spicy kick! For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.