Name: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 pounds pork shoulder; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 3 teaspoons kosher salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 3 oranges juiced; 3 limes; 0.5 cup cilantro leaves; 6 cloves garlic

From the Cook

1/5

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Flavor the Moments Verified

Flavorthemoments.com

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

4 pounds pork shouldercut into 4-6 large pieces

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

3 teaspoons kosher saltor use 1-2 teaspoons regular table salt

½ tsp black pepper

3 oranges juiced

3 limesjuiced

½ cup cilantro leavessubstitute cilantro with 2 bay leaves

6 cloves garlicsmashed and peeled

Instructions

Visit Blog

Instructions

Trim some of the fat from the pork if there is an excessive amount of it. Combine the cumin, oregano, salt and pepper and rub all over the pork. Place the pork in the slow cooker with the fat cap facing up.

Place the garlic and cilantro in the slow cooker around the pork. Whisk the orange and lime juice together, then pour into the slow cooker.

Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for about 8 hours or until very tender.

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Choose the Right Pork Cut 🐷
Select pork shoulder with good marbling and some fat content; this renders during the slow cook process, creating incredibly tender, flavorful carnitas rather than dry meat.
Maximize Citrus Flavor 🍊
Use both fresh orange and lime juice—the orange provides subtle sweetness while lime adds brightness; add zest to the slow cooker for deeper citrus penetration throughout the meat.
Bloom Your Spices 🌶️
Toast the oregano, cumin, and black pepper in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding to the slow cooker; this releases essential oils and intensifies their flavors exponentially.
Reserve the Braising Liquid ✨
Don't discard the cooking liquid after shredding; reduce it on the stovetop and pour it back over the meat before broiling to add moisture and deepen the overall flavor profile.
Perfect the Broiler Finish 🔥
Spread shredded carnitas on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer and broil 4-6 inches from heat for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to achieve crispy edges without burning the delicate meat.