Every tortilla dreams of being stuffed with Carnitas. Picture seasoned pork slow-cooked into tender submission, gently shredded and pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection. Carnitas has that elusive combination of juicy and crispy that’s so irresistible. The best part of this Carnitas? 5 minutes prep!
Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
Recipe VIDEO above. Spiciness: Not at all. Scale recipe using Servings slider.These carnitas capture that elusive combination of flavourful, juicy AND crispiness. Pan frying to get the golden bits is not optional! Broiling/grilling will not produce the same results. Stuff them in tacos for an authentic Carnitas Tacos experience, see notes for other uses! FAQ below recipe.
Prep: 15min
Total: 375min
Yield: 10
Serving Size: 205 g
Nutrition Facts: servingSize 205 g, calories 578 kcal, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Protein 45 g, Fat 42 g, Saturated Fat 15 g, Cholesterol 173 mg, Sodium 616 mg, Sugar 0.5 g, unSaturated Fat 23.1 g
Ingredients:
- 2 kg / 4 lb pork shoulder (pork butt) (, skinless, boneless (5lb/2.5kg bone in) (Note 1))
- 2 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion (, chopped)
- 1 jalapeno (, deseeded, chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup juice from orange (2 oranges)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instruction:
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Rinse and dry the pork shoulder, rub all over with salt and pepper.’, ‘name’: ‘Rinse and dry the pork shoulder, rub all over with salt and pepper.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-0’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Combine the Rub ingredients then rub all over the pork.’, ‘name’: ‘Combine the Rub ingredients then rub all over the pork.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-1’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: “Place the pork in a slow cooker (fat cap up), top with the onion, jalapeño, minced garlic (don’t worry about spreading it) and squeeze over the juice of the oranges.”, ‘name’: “Place the pork in a slow cooker (fat cap up), top with the onion, jalapeño, minced garlic (don’t worry about spreading it) and squeeze over the juice of the oranges.”, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-2’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Slow Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 7 hours. (Note 2 for other cook methods)’, ‘name’: ‘Slow Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 7 hours. (Note 2 for other cook methods)’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-3’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Pork should be tender enough to shred. Remove from slow cooker and let cool slightly. Then shred using two forks.’, ‘name’: ‘Pork should be tender enough to shred. Remove from slow cooker and let cool slightly. Then shred using two forks.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-4’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Optional: Skim off the fat from the juices remaining in the slow cooker and discard. ‘, ‘name’: ‘Optional: Skim off the fat from the juices remaining in the slow cooker and discard. ‘, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-5’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: “If you have a lot more than 2 cups of juice, then reduce it down to about 2 cups. The liquid will be salty, it is the seasoning for the pork. Set liquid aside – don’t bother straining onion etc, it’s super soft.”, ‘name’: “If you have a lot more than 2 cups of juice, then reduce it down to about 2 cups. The liquid will be salty, it is the seasoning for the pork. Set liquid aside – don’t bother straining onion etc, it’s super soft.”, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-0-6’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘To Crisp:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: “Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non stick pan or well seasoned skillet over high heat. Spread pork in the pan, drizzle over some juices. Wait until the juices evaporate and the bottom side is golden brown and crusty. Turn and just briefly sear the other side – you don’t want to make it brown all over because then it’s too crispy, need tender juicy bits.”, ‘name’: “Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non stick pan or well seasoned skillet over high heat. Spread pork in the pan, drizzle over some juices. Wait until the juices evaporate and the bottom side is golden brown and crusty. Turn and just briefly sear the other side – you don’t want to make it brown all over because then it’s too crispy, need tender juicy bits.”, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: “Remove pork from skillet. Repeat in batches (takes me 4 batches) – don’t crowd the pan.”, ‘name’: “Remove pork from skillet. Repeat in batches (takes me 4 batches) – don’t crowd the pan.”, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-1-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Just before serving, drizzle over more juices and serve hot, stuffed in tacos (see notes for sides, other serving suggestion and storage/make ahead).’, ‘name’: ‘Just before serving, drizzle over more juices and serve hot, stuffed in tacos (see notes for sides, other serving suggestion and storage/make ahead).’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-20695-step-1-2’}]}
Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
Crispy Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooked Pulled Pork) is a winner! The closest recipe to authentic Mexican Carnitas (NO LARD), with a perfect crisp finish!
Prep: 10min
Total: 610min
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 228 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Sodium 282 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds (or 2 kg) skinless, boneless pork butt (or shoulder)
- 3-4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano ((or Mexican oregano))
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 large brown or white onion (, cut into wedges)
- 8 cloves garlic (, smashed)
- 2 limes (, juiced)
- 2 large oranges (, juiced (or 3/4 cup natural orange juice))
- 3/4 cup coke ((Original or Mexican coke is ideal)*)
- 2 bay leaves
Instruction:
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Rinse and pat dry pork with a paper towel.’, ‘name’: ‘Rinse and pat dry pork with a paper towel.’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-0-0’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘In the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker, add pork, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, onion, garlic, lime juice, orange juice, coke, and bay leaves.’, ‘name’: ‘In the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker, add pork, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, onion, garlic, lime juice, orange juice, coke, and bay leaves.’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-0-1’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8-10 hours, or high heat for 5-6 hours (until the meat falls apart).’, ‘name’: ‘Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8-10 hours, or high heat for 5-6 hours (until the meat falls apart).’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-0-2’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Remove pork and shred with two forks (DO NOT DISCARD THE LIQUID!)’, ‘name’: ‘Remove pork and shred with two forks (DO NOT DISCARD THE LIQUID!)’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-0-3’}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘TO CRISP IN THE OVEN:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Transfer the pork to a baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking oil spray (or lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper).’, ‘name’: ‘Transfer the pork to a baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking oil spray (or lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper).’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Pour 1 ladle full (about 1 cup) of the liquid from the slow cooker over the pork to season. Broil for 5-10 minutes on high heat until the meat becomes golden browned and crispy on the edges.’, ‘name’: ‘Pour 1 ladle full (about 1 cup) of the liquid from the slow cooker over the pork to season. Broil for 5-10 minutes on high heat until the meat becomes golden browned and crispy on the edges.’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-1-1’}]}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘TO CRISP ON STOVE:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a non stick pan or cast iron skillet over high heat. When pan is hot, add pork in batches of two or three, and sear until just beginning to crisp. Ladle over about 1/2 cup of left over liquid, and continue cooking until the juices begin to reduce down and the meat is nice and crispy!’, ‘name’: ‘Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a non stick pan or cast iron skillet over high heat. When pan is hot, add pork in batches of two or three, and sear until just beginning to crisp. Ladle over about 1/2 cup of left over liquid, and continue cooking until the juices begin to reduce down and the meat is nice and crispy!’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-2-0’}]}
- {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘TO SERVE:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Season with a little extra salt and pepper if desired. Pour over more of the slow cooker juices once the meat has crisped for added flavour, just before serving! Serve in Tacos, Burritos, or in a salad!’, ‘name’: ‘Season with a little extra salt and pepper if desired. Pour over more of the slow cooker juices once the meat has crisped for added flavour, just before serving! Serve in Tacos, Burritos, or in a salad!’, ‘url’: ‘https://cafedelites.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooked-pulled-pork/#wprm-recipe-40178-step-3-0’}]}
Carnitas (Slow Cooker Recipe)
This Carnitas recipe is easy to make in the crockpot. It’s tender and juicy with the most irresistible crispy edges. Use it to make pork tacos, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas and more!
Prep: 15min
Total: 375min
Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1 /8 cooked carnitas
Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 /8 cooked carnitas, calories 309 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Protein 52 g, Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 136 mg, Sodium 710 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g
Ingredients:
- 4 pound boneless pork butt or pork shoulder*
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup orange juice (from two small or one large orange)
- ¼ cup lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- tortillas, chopped onion, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado, limes, etc. (for serving, as desired)
Instruction:
- Place pork butt/shoulder in slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, stir together the dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Rub the spice mixture on all sides of the pork. Arrange the pork so that it is fat side up in the slow cooker.
- Pour the orange juice and lime juice around the sides of the pork in the slow cooker, so as not to rinse off the spice rub on top of the pork. Add the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours, until pork shreds easily.
- Remove the pork from the liquid in the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding excess fat.
- You can serve the pork now, or (the best way!) crisp it under the broiler. To crisp the pork, spread it out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet (if desired, you can line the baking sheet with foil for easy clean up). Add a little of the juices from the slow cooker to the pork, but not too much. Put pork under the broiler in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until the edges start to crisp.
- Serve in tortillas with toppings as desired, or in a burrito bowl, on a salad, etc.
Crispy Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Slow Cooked Pulled pork)
FAQ
What is carnitas sauce made of?
Place the cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, onion, cumin, lime juice, cream and mayo in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add salt to taste and blend again to incorporate. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
What is the best meat to use for carnitas?
It’s traditionally made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) because of the higher fat content, which helps the meat stay super tender and juicy while it’s cooked.
Why do you put orange juice in carnitas?
Why do you put orange juice in carnitas? The acidity of orange juice helps to break down the meat so it’s meltingly tender and shreddable and adds flavor depth to the cooking liquid.
What is authentic carnitas made from?
Traditionally, an authentic carnitas recipe is made by braising or simmering pork in lard or oil until tender. Where do carnitas come from? This is a dish of Mexican cuisine that originated in the state of Michoacán. Carnitas are made from pork shoulder (pork butt).
Why do you add milk to carnitas?
The milk acts as a tenderizer, a secret I learned while growing up watching dad make his carnitas which, by the way, were always exceptionally tender. The beer gives the pork another layer of flavor, while the cinnamon, which pairs so well with pork, adds warm, earthy tones.
