Carnitas (Crockpot)

15m
Prep Time
8h
Cook Time
8h 15m
Ready In


"Make carnitas simple! No more messing up your kitchen with grease splatters! I haven't tried this yet, but as a self-proclaimed "carnitas expert", I will update my description once I've made this. Sounds good, though. This is a Melissa D'Arabian recipe, slightly tweaked."

Original is 6 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (229.9 g)
  • Calories 504.7
  • Total Fat - 41 g
  • Saturated Fat - 13.6 g
  • Cholesterol - 122.3 mg
  • Sodium - 117.1 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 5.3 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 0.7 g
  • Sugars - 1.2 g
  • Protein - 27.7 g
  • Calcium - 83.5 mg
  • Iron - 2.1 mg
  • Vitamin C - 4.1 mg
  • Thiamin - 1.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Rinse and dry the pork shoulder. Salt and pepper liberally. Mix the oregano and the cumin with olive oil and rub all over pork.

Step 2

Place the pork in a slow cooker and top with the onion and garlic. Squeeze the orange over the pork and add the two squeezed halves to the pot.

Step 3

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 hours.

Step 4

Once the meat is tender, remove from slow cooker and let cool slightly before pulling apart with a fork.

Step 5

In a large sauté pan, heat the vegetable oil (see note) over high heat. Press the carnitas into the oil and fry until crusty on one side.

For an element of authenticity, substitute lard for vegetable oil when frying the meat.


Tips


  • Slow Cooker

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • When selecting the pork shoulder roast, choose one with a good fat content for the best flavor.
  • When squeezing the orange, be sure to reserve the juice for later use.

  • Replace pork shoulder roast with chicken thighs for a leaner and lighter alternative. The benefit of this substitution is that it reduces the fat content of the dish and makes it a healthier option.
  • Replace vegetable oil with coconut oil when frying the meat. The benefit of this substitution is that it adds a subtle sweetness to the dish and also provides a healthier alternative to lard.

Carnitas Tacos Shred the cooked pork and combine with 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork mixture. Cook until the pork is crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve in warm tortillas with desired toppings such as salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.


Barbacoa Tacos Shred the cooked beef and combine with 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef mixture. Cook until the beef is tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve in warm tortillas with desired toppings such as salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime wedges.


Mexican Street Corn Salad: This sweet and tangy salad is the perfect accompaniment to the savory and spicy carnitas. The creamy dressing and crunchy corn kernels provide a delicious contrast to the carnitas, making for a flavorful and balanced meal.


Spicy Guacamole: This creamy, spicy guacamole is the perfect complement to the Mexican Street Corn Salad and carnitas. The cool, creamy guacamole contrasts the smoky, spicy flavors of the carnitas, while the zesty lime juice and jalapeños provide a bright, acidic finish.




FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with other meats like beef or chicken. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and seasonings for the best result.



Q: Is it possible to make this recipe without an oven?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Simply brown the pork shoulder in a large skillet, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the pork is cooked through.

2 Reviews

JostLori

RE: The Editorial Notes: DO NOT substitute coconut oil in this recipe, as the flavor profile is not appropriate. Typically, lard is used (and is what I use). I specified vegetable oil in order to make it healthier. Furthermore, carnitas tacos NEVER include lettuce, tomatoes, or cheese. They are only garnished with salsa (usually green salsa), minced onion, cilantro, and lime wedges. In addition, why there is a variation for beef is a mystery. This is a PORK recipe and carnitas can ONLY be pork.

0.0

review by:
(21 May 2023)

Luvcookn

This the my first time making Carnitas, so I have no preconceived ideas of how it should taste. We thoroughly enjoyed this recipe! I did not serve it the traditional way, but roasted a tray of veggies and mixed in the pork, topped with a fried egg. Delicious dinner! Will be making this again when family comes to visit. Thank you for sharing Lori!

5.0

review by:
(13 Dec 2014)

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Fun facts:

The famous Spanish author, Miguel de Cervantes, is said to have included a recipe for carnitas in one of his works, Don Quixote.

The popular Mexican dish, carnitas, is believed to have originated in the Mexican state of Michoacán in the late 19th century.