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Succulent Slow-Cooked Crock Pot Carnitas

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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.