Juicy Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas (Print-Friendly Version)
Juicy, tender pork slow-cooked with bold citrus and spices, then crisped for the perfect texture in tacos, bowls, and more.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
3-4 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
04 -
½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
05 -
½ cup chicken broth
06 -
1 small onion, diced
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 tbsp chili powder
09 -
2 tsp ground cumin
10 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
11 -
1 tsp oregano
12 -
1 tsp salt
13 -
½ tsp black pepper
14 -
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
15 -
1 bay leaf
→ For Serving
16 -
Warm corn or flour tortillas
17 -
Chopped white onion
18 -
Fresh cilantro
19 -
Lime wedges
20 -
Avocado slices
21 -
Cotija cheese
# How to Make It:
01 -
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and rub it all over with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cinnamon.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
03 -
Place the diced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the pork on top. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf.
04 -
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
05 -
Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaf. If desired, return the shredded pork to the crockpot to soak up the juices.
06 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy on the edges.
07 -
Serve immediately in tacos or burrito bowls, or store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Carnitas also freeze well for up to 3 months.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Tacos: Stuff into warm tortillas with onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
02 -
Burrito Bowls: Serve over rice or quinoa with black beans, salsa, and avocado.
03 -
Carnitas Nachos: Pile onto tortilla chips with cheese, salsa, and jalapeños.
04 -
Carnitas Breakfast Hash: Toss with roasted potatoes and top with a fried egg.
05 -
Carnitas Quesadillas: Layer with cheese in a tortilla and cook until crispy.