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Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

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Slow Cooker Carnitas are tender, flavorful shredded pork cooked low and slow with citrus and spices, then crisped up for the perfect taco, burrito, or bowl topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless), cut into large chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Optional: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and tortillas for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chunks until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  2. Transfer pork to a slow cooker. Add chopped onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until pork is very tender and easy to shred.
  5. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Optionally, reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes to concentrate flavor.
  6. For crispy carnitas, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until edges are crispy. Spoon some reduced cooking liquid over the pork before serving.
  7. Serve in tacos, burritos, or bowls with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and tortillas.

Notes

  • Searing the pork adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Leftovers freeze well and can be reheated in a skillet or oven.
  • Delicious with toppings like pickled onions, avocado, or slaw.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/slow-cooker-carnitas-recipe/