If you are looking for a truly mouthwatering dish to brighten up your weeknight dinners or impress guests at your next gathering, this Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe is an absolute game changer. Tender, juicy pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection with fragrant spices and bright bursts of fresh orange juice delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for that crave-worthy Mexican classic that tastes authentically delicious every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, contributing to a perfect balance of taste, aroma, and texture that transforms humble pork into a spectacular dish.
- 2 kg (4 lb) pork shoulder (pork butt), skinless, boneless: This cut’s rich marbling ensures tender, flavorful meat that shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances the natural flavors and seasons the meat perfectly throughout.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, peppery kick that complements the other warm spices.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens and melds with the pork juices.
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded and chopped: Offers just the right hint of heat without overpowering the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic pungency that elevates the flavor layers.
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges): Injects a bright citrus kick that tenderizes and balances the savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Infuses herbal earthiness essential to authentic carnitas flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds warm, smoky tones that make the dish irresistibly savory.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices cling to the meat and promotes better browning.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub
Start by combining the dried oregano, ground cumin, and olive oil in a small bowl to create a rich and aromatic spice rub. This mix is where the magic begins, coating the pork with warm, herbaceous notes that will penetrate deeply during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry to ensure the spice rub adheres properly. Rub the spice mixture evenly over every part of the meat, making sure to cover all sides. This step guarantees each bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the crockpot and sprinkle with salt and black pepper evenly. Then, scatter chopped onion, jalapeno, and minced garlic over the top to infuse subtle sweetness and a gentle kick.
Step 4: Add the Orange Juice
Pour the fresh orange juice over the entire mixture in the crockpot. The citrus juice not only brightens the taste but also helps tenderize the pork throughout the slow cooking process.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook the pork low and slow: 8 to 10 hours on low heat or 4 to 6 hours on high. This patient cooking time breaks down the collagen in the pork shoulder, resulting in irresistibly tender, juicy meat that falls apart with a fork.
Step 6: Shred and Soak
When the pork is perfectly tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot to soak in its flavorful juices, allowing every strand to be juicy and packed with that signature carnitas taste.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
The best carnitas shine with the right garnishes. Fresh chopped cilantro adds herbal brightness, while diced onions provide a crisp texture contrast. A squeeze of lime juice gives an extra tangy punch, and some crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese lends creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice add hearty, zesty accompaniments. Pickled jalapenos or a crisp cabbage slaw bring crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the pork perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Carnitas aren’t just for tacos! Serve your carnitas over a bed of warm tortillas for street-style tacos, pile them into burrito bowls with beans and avocado, or even turn them into loaded nachos. Each presentation brings a new dimension to this versatile dish that never gets old.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the meat soaked in its juices helps retain moisture and flavor, so it tastes just as amazing the next day.
Freezing
Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe also freezes wonderfully. Portion the shredded pork into freezer bags or containers, making sure to include some cooking liquid to prevent drying out. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever you crave a quick Mexican meal.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the carnitas in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave, adding a splash of cooking juices or water as needed to keep it tender and juicy. This step preserves the luscious texture and bright flavors you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork shoulder is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can use pork butt or even pork picnic roast as alternatives. Just ensure there’s enough fat to keep the meat moist during cooking.
Do I have to use fresh orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is highly recommended because it provides natural acidity and a vibrant citrus flavor that canned juice can’t match. However, if fresh oranges aren’t available, high-quality bottled juice will work in a pinch.
Can I add more heat to the carnitas?
Absolutely! Keeping the jalapeno seeds will boost the spiciness, or you can add chili powder or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, fiery kick that elevates the dish.
Is it possible to cook the carnitas in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes, the Instant Pot can reduce cooking time significantly. Use the sauté function for browning and then pressure cook the pork for about 60 to 75 minutes, followed by natural release. The texture will be just as tender and delicious.
How long can I leave the pork in the crockpot without it drying out?
Because this recipe cooks the pork in liquid and with fat, it’s very forgiving. Cooking on low for up to 10 hours works well. Beyond that, check periodically to ensure it doesn’t dry out, adding a little broth or juice if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe is the kind of dish that brings warmth and joy every time it’s served. With its tender, juicy pork and vibrant flavors, it’s a simple yet impressive meal that anyone can master. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s guaranteed to become a cherished favorite at your table!
Print
Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Crockpot Carnitas recipe delivers tender, flavorful Mexican-style shredded pork made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Seasoned with a blend of oregano, cumin, garlic, and fresh orange juice, this dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying with your favorite sides. The slow cooking process ensures the pork becomes juicy and effortlessly shreddable, soaking up all the vibrant flavors from the spices and citrus.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 kg (4 lb) pork shoulder (pork butt), skinless, boneless (or 5 lb/2.5 kg bone-in)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, ground cumin, and olive oil to make a flavorful spice rub that will coat the pork.
- Season the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to ensure the rub adheres well. Evenly apply the spice rub all over the meat for maximum flavor.
- Arrange in crockpot: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the crockpot, then sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over it for additional seasoning.
- Add aromatics: Scatter the chopped onion, deseeded and chopped jalapeno, and minced garlic on top of the pork to infuse the meat with aromatic flavors during cooking.
- Pour orange juice: Carefully pour the fresh orange juice over the ingredients in the crockpot to add moisture and a subtle citrus tang.
- Cook the pork: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. The pork is done when it is tender and can be effortlessly shredded with forks.
- Shred and serve: Remove the pork shoulder from the crockpot and shred it finely using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot to soak up the cooking juices before serving for enhanced flavor and moisture.
Notes
- For best results, use a well-marbled pork shoulder to ensure the end dish is juicy and flavorful.
- You can adjust the level of heat by including jalapeno seeds or omitting the jalapeno altogether for a milder version.
- Leftover carnitas are great for tacos, burritos, salads, or rice bowls and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- If desired, after shredding, you can crisp the carnitas under a broiler or in a hot skillet for a few minutes to add texture.
