Slow Cooker Carnitas is a classic Mexican dish that delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with perfectly crisped edges. The pork is infused with citrusy flavors from the orange and lime juices, along with a punch of spices like cumin and cayenne. After hours of slow cooking, the meat is shredded and roasted to give it a beautiful crispy texture.
Whether served in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish with rice and beans, this carnitas recipe is a surefire way to impress at any meal. The simplicity of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, yet the bold flavors make it special enough for entertaining. Everyone will love the tender, flavorful pork that is deliciously versatile.
Full Recipe:
- 4 pounds pork shoulder (or butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions:
- Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub this spice mixture all over the pork.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the slow cooker. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and water.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Place the shredded pork on a baking sheet and drizzle with the vegetable oil.
- Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the pork are crispy.
- Serve hot with tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
What Are Carnitas?
Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish made by slowly braising or simmering pork until it becomes tender enough to shred. Typically made from pork shoulder, the dish originates from the state of Michoacán, where carnitas are a staple of Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, the meat is fried in lard for a crispy finish, but this recipe achieves the same delicious results using a slow cooker and oven roasting method.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker for carnitas has several benefits. It allows the pork to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring that it remains juicy and tender. Additionally, the slow cooker is hands-off, making it perfect for busy days or when you want to set it and forget it. After the slow cooking process, a quick roast in the oven crisps up the pork edges, giving you that classic carnitas texture without the need for deep frying.
The Citrus Twist
One of the key elements that set carnitas apart is the use of citrus in the marinade. The orange and lime juice in this recipe not only adds brightness and acidity to balance the rich pork, but the natural sugars help caramelize the meat during roasting. This adds a subtle sweetness to the crispy edges, making each bite flavorful and balanced.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Carnitas
Carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. The most popular serving option is to use the shredded pork as a filling for tacos. Simply warm up some soft tortillas and add your favorite toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. Carnitas can also be used in burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or even as a main dish served with rice, beans, and grilled vegetables. For a fun twist, you can also top nachos with carnitas for an indulgent snack.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This carnitas recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the pork in advance and store it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until it’s warmed through and crispy again. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Toppings and Side Dish Suggestions
While carnitas are incredibly flavorful on their own, the right toppings and side dishes can elevate your meal. Popular toppings include chopped fresh onions, cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and crumbled queso fresco. For sides, serve carnitas with Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, and a fresh corn salad. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a dash of hot sauce can add an extra kick.
Health and Nutrition
This recipe can be adapted for different dietary needs. Pork shoulder is a naturally fatty cut of meat, but trimming excess fat before cooking can reduce the overall fat content. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can serve the carnitas with lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. For a keto-friendly version, pair the carnitas with low-carb veggies like cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.
History and Cultural Significance of Carnitas
Carnitas are a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, and their roots run deep in the culinary history of Mexico. Originating from the state of Michoacán, carnitas are often served during celebrations and family gatherings, symbolizing abundance and communal sharing. In traditional carnitas-making, the pork is slowly braised in lard for hours, often cooked in large copper cauldrons. This method creates a unique texture, where the meat becomes tender inside while forming crispy edges outside. Modern adaptations, like this slow cooker version, aim to capture the essence of this beloved dish without requiring specialized equipment or techniques.
What Cut of Pork is Best for Carnitas?
The classic cut used for carnitas is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. This cut is ideal because of its high-fat content, which keeps the meat juicy and flavorful as it cooks. The slow cooking process allows the fat to render, resulting in tender, fall-apart meat. If you want a leaner option, you can use pork loin, but be aware that it may not be as rich or juicy. A balance between lean and fatty cuts can be achieved by trimming excess fat before cooking or selecting a cut that still has some marbling for flavor.
Flavor Enhancements and Variations
While this recipe calls for a blend of cumin, oregano, garlic, and citrus juices, there are countless ways to customize your carnitas. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Spice it up: Add more heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or even chipotle powder into the slow cooker for a smokier flavor.
- Herb-infused carnitas: Add bay leaves, fresh thyme, or Mexican oregano to the slow cooker for an extra layer of aromatics.
- Beer-braised carnitas: Replace the water with your favorite Mexican beer for a deeper, maltier flavor. This adds richness and depth, making the carnitas even more robust.
- Sweet and savory: Add a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup to the cooking liquid for a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the citrus.
Why Crispy Edges Matter
One of the defining characteristics of great carnitas is the contrast between tender, juicy meat and crispy edges. This dual texture adds complexity to each bite, with the soft shredded pork contrasted by the caramelized, crispy bits. The final step of roasting the pork after slow cooking is essential to achieve this. If you prefer your carnitas extra crispy, you can broil them for an additional few minutes or pan-fry them in a bit of oil on the stovetop.
Serving Carnitas for Different Occasions
Carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit various dining occasions:
- Family Dinners: Serve carnitas with a simple spread of tortillas, salsa, and sides for a casual family meal.
- Party Food: Carnitas make an excellent party dish. Create a taco bar where guests can assemble their own tacos with a variety of toppings like fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, shredded cheese, and guacamole.
- Brunch: Use leftover carnitas in a brunch dish by adding them to huevos rancheros or chilaquiles. The crispy pork pairs wonderfully with eggs and salsa for a hearty morning meal.
- Salads: For a lighter option, add shredded carnitas to a salad with fresh greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette.
How to Make Carnitas More Authentic
If you’re aiming for an authentic carnitas experience, here are a few tips to bring your recipe closer to its Mexican roots:
- Use lard instead of oil: In traditional carnitas recipes, lard is used to fry the pork for extra richness. You can mimic this by using a small amount of lard for roasting the shredded pork after slow cooking.
- Serve with traditional sides: Alongside tortillas and salsa, traditional sides for carnitas include frijoles charros (Mexican-style beans with bacon), nopales (cactus salad), and esquites (Mexican street corn).
- Garnish with pickled red onions: In many regions of Mexico, carnitas are garnished with cebollas encurtidas (pickled red onions), adding a bright, acidic contrast to the rich pork.
Dietary Adaptations
Carnitas can be customized to fit various dietary preferences:
- Low-carb/Keto: Skip the tortillas and serve carnitas over a bed of lettuce, avocado, and cheese for a keto-friendly carnitas bowl.
- Paleo/Whole30: Make sure the seasonings and ingredients are compliant with your diet, such as using fresh-squeezed juice and omitting any processed oils. Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- Gluten-free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, as no grains or flour are used. Just ensure that the tortillas or other accompaniments you serve are certified gluten-free.
Pairing Carnitas with Beverages
The rich and savory flavors of carnitas pair well with a variety of drinks. For an authentic Mexican experience, try serving carnitas with:
- Mexican beer: Light lagers like Corona or Modelo Especial are perfect for balancing the richness of the pork.
- Margaritas: The citrusy notes of a classic lime margarita complement the zesty flavor of the carnitas. You can also try a grapefruit Paloma for a refreshing twist.
- Agua fresca: For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a chilled agua fresca made from fruits like watermelon, pineapple, or hibiscus.
Pro Tips for Perfect Carnitas
- Don’t skip the broiling step: After slow cooking, broiling the shredded pork in the oven is key to achieving that signature crispiness. Spread the pork out evenly on a baking sheet for best results.
- Add liquid smoke: For a smoky, grilled flavor without the grill, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the slow cooker before cooking.
- Shred the pork carefully: Use two forks to gently pull apart the pork. Over-shredding can cause the meat to lose some of its texture, so aim for a mix of larger chunks and finely shredded pieces.
Leftover Ideas
If you have leftover carnitas, you’re in luck! The possibilities for repurposing this delicious pork are endless:
- Carnitas nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with shredded cheese, carnitas, and jalapeños, and bake until the cheese is melted. Add sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for the perfect loaded nachos.
- Carnitas quesadillas: Layer carnitas between two tortillas with cheese, then cook on a skillet until golden and crispy.
- Carnitas burrito bowls: Serve carnitas over rice, black beans, and corn, and top with salsa and avocado for a quick and easy burrito bowl.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Carnitas offer a perfect blend of tender, flavorful pork with crispy edges, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, a party, or simply enjoying leftovers, carnitas bring authentic Mexican flavors to your table with minimal effort. With endless serving options and the ability to customize the recipe to suit your taste, this dish is a must-try for any home cook looking to elevate their taco nights or create a hearty, flavorful meal. Enjoy the rich, zesty, and crispy goodness of carnitas today!