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Tender, juicy pieces of shredded slow cooked pork crisped in the oven and served in warmed tortillas, this Pork Carnitas Recipe is so easy to make right in the crockpot, with minimal hands-on time!

tacos on a board with a plate of shredded pork on the side

This recipe was originally published in January 2017. It has been updated for photos and content.

This Pork Carnitas Recipe is a must-make recipe guys. Pretty much a dump-and-go recipe, with just a few minutes of work at the end, it's the perfect make-ahead meal and easy for weeknight dinners.

While traditional carnitas is made by frying the pork in lard (yummmm), this recipe uses the slow cooker for convenience. Plus, it's just a touch healthier this way.

Set your slow cooker to cook for 4-5 hours and go on with your day. When your ready to eat, it only takes a few minutes to shred the pork and pop it under the broiler to crisp it up into juicy caramelized perfection.

Serve it on warm tortillas with some garnishes and this amazing tomato salsa or this tangy green salsa and you are golden.

roasted pork belly tacos on a plate with cheese and cilantro

pork on a flour tortilla with green onions and kimchi

Taco fans should also be checking out these Braised Pork Belly Tacos or these Spicy Pork Bulgolgi Tacos.

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Why This Recipe Works
Step By Step Instructions
Cook's Tips
FAQ's
Tools Used
Recipe
💬 Comments

Why This Recipe Works

Using a fatty cut of pork helps keep the meat tender and juicy while it cooks in the slow cooker.

Cooking the pork low and slow in the slow cooker makes it easy to shred, and is easy for busy families.

Cooking the pork in beer and vinegar helps to add flavor and tenderize it.

Orange and lime juice adds the perfect amount of sweet and tart citrus flavor.

What's awesome is that you can make sous vide carnitas (or sous vide carne asada) too and the meat comes out juicy and tender as well - carnitas is so versatile!

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Step By Step Instructions

Place pork shoulder in slow cooker and add cumin, onion, jalapeno, beer, apple cider vinegar, chipotle peppers, salt and pepper. Cut one orange and one lime in half and squeeze the juice into the slow cooker.

Throw in the squeezed orange and lime halves. Cook on low heat for 9-10 hours OR high heat for about 6-8 hours, or until meat is tender and falling off the bone.

pork, oranges and seasonings in a crockpot

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a large baking sheet. Use a fork to shred it.

Spread it out in an even layer and drizzle it with orange juice from the second orange. Season with additional salt if required.

Place it under the broiler for about 5 minutes. Remove and stir. Broil for another 5 minutes and stir.

Repeat the process 4-5 times until the pork carnitas is crisp around the edges. Broil more or less depending on preference.

Serve with corn or flour tortillas. For a soft, pliable corn tortilla, heat 1 tbsp. of oil with 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid in a skillet.

Fry the tortilla until soft and lightly browned, about 1 minutes per side. Continue with remaining tortillas.

Cook's Tips

Use a slow cooker with a timer so you can set it and forget it while you're at work.

I highly recommend using a fatty cut of pork like the shoulder - this keeps the carnitas moist while cooking.

Broil for as little or as much as you need to depending on the desired crispness. I like a carnitas with crispy caramelized pieces so I usually broil it longer.

Corn or flour tortillas can be used

Fry the tortillas in a mixture of the cooking liquid and oil to make them more pliable.

shredded pork and vegetables on a tortilla

FAQ's

What Cut of Meat is Carnitas?

Pork Carnitas is typically made from pork butt, also known as the pork shoulder. The fat content in this cut enables it to stand up to the low and slow cooking.

How To Warm Corn Tortillas

For a soft, pliable corn tortilla, heat 1 tbsp. of oil with 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid in a skillet. Fry the tortilla until soft and lightly browned, about 1 minutes per side.

How to Eat Carnitas

Oftentimes you will see carnitas served in tacos (like this pork carnitas recipe), but it can also be used on flatbread, on sandwiches, eggs, and/or enchiladas. be creative!

Serving Options

Pork carnitas tacos are typically served with limes, pickled red onion and cilantro. They can also include avocado, queso fresco, and salsa. Try this Homemade Tomato Salsa or this Vietnamese Salsa (it's awesome on these carnitas tacos).