Go Back
+ servings
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas: Effortless Flavor for Taco Night

Enjoy tender and crispy carnitas, effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker for a delightful taco night.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Carnitas
  • 3 pounds Pork Shoulder or pork butt or loin if needed
  • 2 teaspoons Cumin essential spice for authentic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander adds a refreshing citrus note
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano dried works best
  • 4 cloves Garlic freshly minced
  • 1 medium Onion sliced, shallots can be substituted
  • 1 cup Orange Juice preferably freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth make sure it's gluten-free
For Serving
  • 8 pieces Tortillas warm, for wrapping carnitas
  • Toppings fresh chopped onions, cilantro, avocado, salsa

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Steps to Prepare
  1. Sear the Pork: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the pork pieces on all sides for about 4-5 minutes until they are nicely browned.
  2. Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze your skillet, scraping up delicious caramelized bits, then transfer it into your slow cooker.
  3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Combine the seared pork, cumin, coriander, oregano, minced garlic, sliced onion, and orange juice in the slow cooker.
  4. Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker on low and cook the mixture for 8 hours until the pork is tender.
  5. Shred and Broil: After cooking, take the pork out and shred it with two forks. Spread shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil it for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 22gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra zest. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!