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slow cooker pork carnitas tacos recipe
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5 from 4 votes

Pork Carnitas Tacos Recipe

These slow cooker pork carnitas tacos are the perfect way to highlight our tender but crispy shredded pork. We serve this Mexican favorite with a homemade spicy slaw, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro for a simple and out of this world taco fiesta the whole family will love.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Broiling Time10 minutes
Total Time8 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 275kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds pork roast
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 large onion minced (yellow or white)
  • 1 whole jalapeno minced
  • 4 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large bay leaves
  • 2 large limes

Jalapeno Ranch Coleslaw for Tacos

  • 1/3 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons jalapeños diced small
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage Napa or red

Taco Ingredients

  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese
  • 1 bunch cilantro fresh, chopped

Instructions

  • Spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray, then add the pork roast, orange juice, chicken broth, onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Season with cumin, oregano, salt, pepper and top with bay leaves.
  • Cover and cook on high for 5 hours, or on low for 7-8 hours, until you can easily shred the roast with two forks. If the roast is difficult to shred, put the lid back on and cook for 30-60 more minutes, or until it’s easily shreddable.
  • Once the roast is cooked, preheat oven to a low broil.
  • Remove roast from slow cooker and shred, removing any excess fat or gristle, and place on a baking sheet. Use any remaining juices from the slow cooker to moisten the shredded pork.
  • Broil on low for 2 minutes and turn with tongs. Repeat 3-4 times, or until about 20 percent of the edges of the pork are a little crispy. Continue to add drippings (about 1/4 cup at a time) from the slow cooker to keep the meat moistened.
  • Once you have broiled the shredded pork carnitas, remove and squeeze with fresh lime juice.

How to Assemble The Tacos

  • In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, diced jalapeños, and shredded cabbage.
  • Pre-heat a griddle, then lightly toast the corn tortillas on both sides.
  • To each warmed tortilla, add the shredded pork, a couple tablespoons of the ranch coleslaw, a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a teaspoon of chopped cilantro. Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Storing leftovers: store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: reheat either in the microwave or in a pot or pan with a bit of extra chicken broth.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 593mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 2mg