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Slow Cooker Carnitas

May 21, 2021 | Main Course

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Slow Cooker Carnitas is crispy, juicy, flavorful, and such a breeze to make! This version of Mexican pulled pork has no added fat/lard and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Pork Carnitas in a large white bowl garnished with lime wedges.

If you’re looking to have tacos on Tuesday, make these Slow Cooker Carnitas! This meat is incredibly delicious and always a hit. Serve it with a side of Homemade Refried Beans and Spanish Rice (Mexican Rice).

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

I am a big fan of slow cooker meals. They’re easy, pretty hands off, and produce the most juicy, flavorful, fall-apart tender meat. These Slow Cooker Carnitas are just that!

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas on a baking sheet with lime wedges.

Ingredients for Carnitas Meat:

  • Onion– This adds so much flavor. I love using sweet onions.
  • Brown Sugar– Light or dark works in this recipe.
  • Garlic– Since you’ll be blending anyway, no need to dirty your garlic press. Just peel and throw the whole cloves in.
  • Jalapenos– For a mild level of heat, remove seeds and vein.
  • Vinegar– This give flavor as well as tenderizes tough cuts of meat.
  • Salt– Don’t skimp on the salt. The recipe calls for the minimum. Feel free to add more to your liking.
  • Chili Powder, Oregano, Cumin– These are my staple spice/herb trilogy for Mexican cooking. They make everything taste amazing!
  • Pork Roast– A pork butt or pork shoulder works great.
  • Lime– Squeeze on some fresh lime juice and serve with additional wedges. This brightens up the dish and adds a little sweetness.
A blender of onion, garlic, jalapeno, brown sugar, spices, and dried herbs,

How to make Carnitas:

Time needed: 8 hours and 10 minutes.

  1. Make Sauce

    Place onion, brown sugar, garlic, jalapenos, vinegar, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt in a blender and puree. (Add 2-4 tablespoons water if need to get things moving in the blender.)

  2. Cook

    Place the pork in the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker. Pour the mixture over the pork, tucking it under any folds. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until fork tender.

  3. Shred & Crisp

    Remove pork from slow cooker (do NOT Discard the liquid!) and shred (discard any large pieces of fat). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking oil. Spread the shredded meat out on the pan and pour about 1 cup of the cooking juices over the meat. Broil for 5-10 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges.

  4. Garnish & Serve

    Place pork on a platter and squeeze with fresh lime juice. Enjoy in tacos with desired toppings.

A thick red sauce in a blender poured over a pork roast in a slow cooker.

FAQs

What is Carnitas?

“Carnitas” means “little meats” in Spanish. It is a Mexican pulled pork dish made using an inexpensive pork roast (pork shoulder, Boston Butt). This heavily marbled pork is cooked for several hours creating a tender, juicy, and easy to shred roast.

What cut of pork should be used?

Pork Butt (aka “Boston Butt”) or Pork Shoulder (aka “picnic shoulder” or “picnic roast”) can be used for this recipe. Pork Butt has better marbling throughout so it is preferred.

How to serve carnitas?

This meat can be used in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or just on it’s own. We typically enjoy it in corn tortillas with cilantro, queso fresco, and pickled red onion.
If you have a lot of leftovers but want to enjoy it in a different way, this meat is actually really yummy with barbecue sauce for pulled pork sandwiches.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas on a foil lined baking sheet.

TOOLS USED TO MAKE SLOW COOKER CARNITAS:

  • Slow Cooker– This is very similar to the one I use but it has the addition of a lockable lid which is awesome for when you are transporting food for a party or potluck, especially soup.
  • Half-Sheet Pan– I LOVE these pans. I’ve had the same 4 pans since I got married (10 years ago) and they are in great condition. I use them all the time for sheet cakes, cookies, roasting vegetables, baking chicken…
  • Wolf Gourmet Blender– This blender is amazing! It’s a powerhouse that can blend anything. I love it and use it for everything from smoothies, to soups, to dressings.
  • KitchenAid Blender– If you’re not ready to commit to a high power blender, this one is great! This one served me well in making smoothies and pureeing soups and sauces for 8 years.
Close up shot of crispy Carnitas meat.

LOOKING FOR MORE MEXICAN MEAT? CHECK OUT THESE:

  • Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
  • 3-Ingredient Salsa Chicken Tacos
  • Chili Verde Pork
  • Chipotle Pork Tacos
  • Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
Pork Carnitas in a large white bowl garnished with lime wedges.
Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow Cooker Carnitas are incredibly delicious and a breeze to make. This Mexican pulled pork is full of flavor, uses no added fat/lard and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time8 hrs
Total Time8 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 362kcal
Author: Garnish and Glaze

Equipment

  • 6-Quart Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow or sweet onion, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 jalapenos, stem cut off, roughly cut
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 5-7 pound pork butt or shoulder
  • limes, cut into wedges

Instructions

  • Place 1 onion, 1/2 c. brown sugar, 4 cloves garlic, 2 jalapenos, 2 Tbsp. vinegar, 2 Tbsp. chili powder, 1 Tbsp. salt, 2 tsp. cumin, and 1 tsp. oregano in a blender and puree. (Add 2-4 tablespoons water if need to get things moving in the blender.)
  • Place the pork in the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker. Pour the mixture over the pork, tucking it under any folds. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until fork tender.
  • Remove pork from slow cooker (do NOT Discard the liquid!) and shred (remove any large pieces of fat).
  • Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking oil. Spread the shredded meat out on the pan and pour about 1 cup of the cooking juices over the meat. Broil for 5-10 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges.
  • Place pork on a platter and squeeze with fresh lime juice. Enjoy in tacos with desired toppings.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Slow Cooker Carnitas
Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker Carnitas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 362 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 136mg45%
Sodium 878mg38%
Potassium 878mg25%
Carbohydrates 15g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 43g86%
Vitamin A 514IU10%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 63mg6%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Did you make this recipe?Tag @GarnishandGlaze on Instagram and use hashtag #GarnishandGlaze

Related topics:
Main Course Mexican Pork Slow Cooker

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Hey There, I'm Melanie!

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I am a wife, mother of three little girls, and a chocolate addict. I love baking (and eating!) sweets, but I balance it out with healthy meals.

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