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If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that marries tender, juicy pork with bold, zesty flavors and effortless preparation, this Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe is exactly what your dinner rotation needs. Imagine walking into your kitchen to find your home filled with the warm aroma of citrus and spices while juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork is slow-cooking to perfection. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible meal that feels both comforting and festive, perfect for gathering friends or savoring a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this dish, all you need are a handful of straightforward and wholesome ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering mouthwatering taste and the ideal texture. From the succulent pork shoulder to the bright hit of fresh orange juice, these essentials come together simply and beautifully.
- Pork shoulder (2 kg or 4 lbs), skinless and boneless: The star of the show, this cut becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Salt (2 ½ teaspoons): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the spices perfectly.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds just enough sharpness without overpowering the dish.
- Onion, chopped (1): Brings sweetness and depth that melts into the pork as it cooks.
- Jalapeno, deseeded and chopped (1): Introduces a gentle heat to keep things exciting while letting the pork shine.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Offers aromatic intensity that complements the meat beautifully.
- Fresh orange juice (¾ cup, about 2 oranges): The secret weapon for a fresh, citrusy brightness and tenderizing magic.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Imparts a herbal earthiness that ties all the flavors together.
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, smoky note that feels authentically Mexican.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the spices bloom and gives the pork a luscious finish.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub
Begin by combining dried oregano, ground cumin, and olive oil in a small bowl to create a fragrant, flavorful rub. This simple mix will coat the pork shoulder, infusing it with warmth and a touch of earthiness that defines great carnitas.
Step 2: Season the Pork
Pat your pork shoulder dry to ensure the rub adheres well. Massage the spice mixture all over the pork, covering every inch with that vibrant blend of herbs and oil. This step sets the foundation for deep, layered flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your crockpot. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the meat for essential seasoning. Then, scatter the chopped onion, jalapeno, and minced garlic across the top, allowing these aromatics to mingle with the pork as it cooks.
Step 4: Add the Orange Juice
Pour fresh orange juice over all the ingredients in the crockpot. This bright citrus juice not only tenderizes the pork but also imparts a subtly sweet, tangy undertone that makes your carnitas irresistible.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot tightly. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours until the pork is so tender it easily shreds with two forks. Patience here pays off with the juiciest, most flavorful carnitas you’ve ever made.
Step 6: Shred and Soak
Remove the pork from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot to soak up the cooking juices, ensuring each morsel is bursting with flavor before serving.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate your carnitas is with fresh, vibrant garnishes. Try topping with chopped cilantro for an herbaceous lift, sliced radishes for crunch, diced red onion for bite, and a squeeze of lime to brighten every forkful. Don’t forget a dollop of creamy avocado or tangy crema to balance the spices.
Side Dishes
Carnitas shine when paired with classic sides. Warm corn or flour tortillas make perfect vessels, while Mexican rice or refried beans add heartiness. For freshness, serve alongside a simple cabbage slaw or a crisp jicama salad to contrast the rich, tender pork beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond tacos! Use your shredded carnitas as a filling for burritos, a topping for nachos, or mixed into a hearty salad bowl. You can even create carnitas quesadillas or stuff them into roasted peppers for a delightful twist that keeps this Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe exciting and versatile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious meal again and again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion your shredded pork into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen carnitas can last up to 3 months, which means you always have a flavorful meal ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the pork moist. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel covering for best results without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of pork instead of shoulder?
While pork shoulder is ideal because of its fat content and tenderness, you can substitute pork butt or even pork loin in a pinch, but keep in mind that leaner cuts may result in less juicy carnitas.
Do I need a specific type of crockpot?
No special crockpot is required. Any standard slow cooker will work perfectly for this Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe, as long as it can maintain a low or high cooking setting.
How spicy is this recipe?
The dish has a gentle warmth from the jalapeno, which can be adjusted based on preference by removing the seeds completely or adding more if you like spice. The seasoning is flavorful but not overpoweringly hot.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork the night before, let it marinate with the spices, and then cook it in the crockpot the next day. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser that frees you up during your gathering.
What’s the best way to shred the pork?
Use two forks to pull the meat apart gently once it’s cooked. The pork should be tender enough to shred easily without needing knives or other tools, ensuring perfect texture for your carnitas.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about coming home to a crockpot filled with tender, flavorful carnitas that practically cook themselves. This Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe is a genuine game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, crave-worthy meals without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on high) or 8-10 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (high) or 10 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This easy Crockpot Carnitas recipe delivers tender, flavorful shredded pork cooked low and slow in a blend of spices, fresh orange juice, garlic, and jalapeno. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, these carnitas are effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker, making it a convenient and delicious meal for any occasion.
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
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, mix the dried oregano, ground cumin, and olive oil to create a flavorful spice rub that will coat the pork shoulder.
- Season the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to help the rub stick better. Evenly rub the spice mixture all over the meat to infuse it with aromatic flavors.
- Place pork in the crockpot: Put the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly on top to enhance the overall taste.
- Add aromatics: Scatter the chopped onion, deseeded and chopped jalapeno, and minced garlic on top of the pork to add layers of flavor and a subtle kick.
- Pour orange juice: Pour the fresh orange juice over all the ingredients in the crockpot, which will keep the meat moist and add a hint of citrusy sweetness.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or alternatively on high for 4-6 hours until the pork is very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred and serve: Carefully remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot to soak up the flavorful cooking juices before serving for maximum tenderness and taste.
Notes
- Using bone-in pork shoulder can add extra flavor but adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
- For spicier carnitas, keep the jalapeno seeds or add more jalapeno.
- Serve carnitas with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for authentic taste.
- Leftovers freeze well; portion into airtight containers for up to 3 months.
