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Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas for Ultimate Cravings

Discover the ultimate Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas recipe, transforming pork shoulder into a melt-in-your-mouth delight with minimal effort.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner Ideas
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 3 pounds Pork shoulder Bone-in for extra flavor
For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Orange juice Adds a sweet and tangy kick
  • 0.5 cup Lime juice Enhances zestiness
  • 0.5 cup Chicken broth Keeps meat moist
  • 1 tablespoon Chili powder Infuses mild heat
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin Adds earthiness
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Brings herbal note
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Offers smoky flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper Adds extra spice
  • 4 cloves Garlic Crushed
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 2 Bay leaves For added flavor

Equipment

  • Slow cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by cutting the pork shoulder into large chunks and placing them into your slow cooker.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Add minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until mixed.
  3. Pour the marinade over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated. Add diced onion and tuck in the bay leaves.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the pork is tender.
  5. Once cooked, remove the pork using tongs and shred it with two forks until it resembles classic carnitas texture.
  6. Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until crispy.
  7. Serve your carnitas with warm tortillas and toppings like fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Let the pork marinate overnight for deeper flavor; always broil for crispy texture.

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