Name: Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe for Flavorful Meals
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3–4 pounds boneless pork shoulder; 3/4 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 5 garlic cloves, smashed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for crisping)

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Carnitas Crockpot is a game-changer in my kitchen! This incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or when you need to prep meals ahead of time. The slow cooker does all the hard work, delivering juicy, tender pork infused with citrus and spices. From the moment you smell the aromas filling your home, you’ll know you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Carnitas Crockpot

This easy crockpot carnitas recipe offers numerous benefits: it’s simple to prepare, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. With the use of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy schedules. The slow cooker carnitas are not only tender but also versatile, allowing you to serve them in tacos, burritos, or over rice. Plus, they are gluten-free and can be made healthy by adjusting the ingredients. You’ll impress family and friends with this authentic Mexican carnitas crockpot dish!

Ingredients for Carnitas Crockpot

Gather these items:

3–4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
3/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
5 garlic cloves, smashed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil (for crisping)

How to Make Carnitas Crockpot Step-by-Step

Step 1: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 3–4 inch chunks.
Step 2: Season the pork with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
Step 3: Add chopped onion, garlic, and bay leaves to the crockpot.
Step 4: Pour in orange juice and lime juice over the pork.
Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours.
Step 6: Remove pork and shred with forks, discarding any large fat pieces.
Step 7: Heat olive oil in a skillet and crisp shredded pork in batches, adding some cooking liquid.

Step 8: Serve hot with onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Carnitas Crockpot

Keep these in mind:

Use a good quality pork shoulder for the best flavor.
Don’t rush the cooking process; low and slow is key for tender pork.
For extra flavor, let the shredded pork marinate in the cooking liquid before crisping.

Best Ways to Serve Carnitas Crockpot

There are endless ways to enjoy your pork carnitas in crockpot. Here are a few ideas:

Serve in soft corn tortillas with diced onions and cilantro.
Use in burrito bowls with rice, beans, and avocado.
Top on nachos for a delicious twist!

How to Store and Reheat Carnitas Crockpot

To store your homemade carnitas in crockpot, place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. This is perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnitas Crockpot

What’s the secret to perfect Carnitas Crockpot?

The secret lies in using the right cut of meat, seasoning it well, and cooking it low and slow. This method ensures that the pork becomes tender and flavorful.

Can I make Carnitas Crockpot ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the carnitas in advance and reheat them when needed. This makes it ideal for meal prepping and entertaining.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Carnitas Crockpot?

Avoid cooking on high heat for too long, which can dry out the meat. Stick to low heat for a tender texture and ensure you season properly for the best flavor.

Variations of Carnitas Crockpot You Can Try

Looking to mix things up? Here are some flavorful crockpot carnitas ideas:

Try adding chipotle peppers for a spicy carnitas slow cooker dish.
Use different citrus juices like grapefruit for a unique twist.
For a healthy crockpot carnitas recipe, substitute some of the pork for turkey.

This Carnitas Crockpot recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. With its delicious flavor and ease of preparation, you’ll want to make it time and time again!

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For additional insights on slow cooking, you can refer to this Food Network guide on slow cooking.