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pork carnitas slow cooker recipe stuffed into crispy taco shells.
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5 from 4 votes

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe

These slow cooker pork carnitas are cooked low and slow until tender, then shredded and broiled to crispy perfection on the outside. Serve on tacos with all of your favorite toppings, or use leftovers in quesadillas, sandwiches, salads, soups and more.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Broiling Time10 minutes
Total Time8 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 167kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds pork roast
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 large onion yellow, white, or red onion minced
  • 1 medium jalapeno minced
  • 4 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons cumin or chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 large bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large limes for serving
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray, then add the pork roast, orange juice, chicken stock, onion, jalapeño and garlic. Season with cumin, oregano, salt, pepper and top with bay leaves.
  • Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, until you can easily shred the roast with two forks. (Note: 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).
  • 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 carnitas, remove and squeeze with fresh lime juice before serving on tacos, salads, burrito bowls, quesadillas, sandwiches and more. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Storing Leftovers: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use, you can 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: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 516mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg