YumVerseEats
Pork Carnitas
Slow cooker pork carnitas seasoned with citrus and spices, then crisped for tender, golden edges.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
15
min
Active Time
510
min
Total Time
8
SERVINGS
Slow Cooker
METHOD
Why It Works
Slow cooking with citrus and spices makes the pork tender and flavorful. A finishing broil crisps the edges for that signature carnitas texture.
Quick Fixes
Edges not crisping: spread the pork out and broil in batches.
Too dry: moisten with cooking juices before broiling.
Ingredients
Protein
Seasoning
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
Sauce
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
Topping
How to Make It
1
Toss the pork with salt, cumin, oregano, and pepper.
2
Add the pork, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3
Pour in the orange juice and lime juice.
4
Cover and cook on low 8 hours until fork-tender.
5
Shred the pork and spread on a sheet pan.
6
Broil 4 to 5 minutes until the edges are golden, spooning over some juices.
7
Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.
Store
Store up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat
Re-crisp under the broiler or in a hot skillet.
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Avo's Tip
Broil the shredded pork to crisp the edges — that contrast is what makes carnitas.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
• What cut of pork is best?
Pork shoulder (butt) has the fat to stay juicy and crisp up well.
• How do I serve them?
In warm tortillas with onion, cilantro, and lime, or over rice.
• Can I skip the broiling?
You can, but the crispy edges are the best part.
Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
—
—
4 lb pork shoulder, cut into chunks
—
—
1 tablespoon kosher salt
—
—
2 teaspoons ground cumin
—
—
2 teaspoons dried oregano
—
—
1 teaspoon black pepper
—
—
1 yellow onion, quartered
—
—
4 cloves garlic, smashed
—
—
½ cup orange juice
—
—
¼ cup fresh lime juice
—
—
chopped cilantro and lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1
Toss the pork with salt, cumin, oregano, and pepper.
2
Add the pork, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3
Pour in the orange juice and lime juice.
4
Cover and cook on low 8 hours until fork-tender.
5
Shred the pork and spread on a sheet pan.
6
Broil 4 to 5 minutes until the edges are golden, spooning over some juices.
7
Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.
15
min
active
510
min
total
8
servings
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