{"id":4125,"date":"2023-04-04T14:04:56","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T20:04:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.happysimpleliving.com\/?p=4125"},"modified":"2023-05-17T10:07:57","modified_gmt":"2023-05-17T16:07:57","slug":"easy-crock-pot-carnitas-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happysimpleliving.com\/easy-crock-pot-carnitas-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Mexican Carnitas Recipe Crock Pot"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This is my favorite crispy pork Mexican Carnitas recipe<\/strong> made in the crock pot<\/strong>. In this version, the pork is slow cooked all day with jalapenos, onions and seasonings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carnitas means “little meats” in Spanish, and traditional Mexican carnitas is made from roasted pork cooked in lard until the edges are brown and crispy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our variation of this popular recipe uses a Crock Pot to render the pork tender and juicy. The seasonings will fill your home with the most mouth watering aroma! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the slow cooker pork is perfectly tender, it’s shredded and fried in a hot skillet until the meat is golden brown with crispy edges. The flavors of this carnitas recipe are incredible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We collect simple dinner recipes the way some women collect diamonds, and this easy slow cooker pork Carnitas recipe is on permanent dinner rotation at our house along with favorites like oven cooked meatballs<\/a> and potato chip chicken<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you love spicy Mexican flavors, be sure to check out our recipes for southwest chicken chili<\/a> and fire roasted pork green chile<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Easy to make: <\/strong>The recipe is so simple. You can start the Carnitas in the morning in the slow cooker, and finish frying the pork just before serving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delicious:<\/strong> You will LOVE this juicy, tender pork with crispy golden brown edges and a flavorful blend of seasonings. The meat has so much flavor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Versatile:<\/strong> The crock pot pork carnitas can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, nachos or just on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family-friendly:<\/strong> This is a great recipe for a family dinner, potluck or Cinco de Mayo party. It’s easy to make in large quantities and can be adjusted to suit different tastes by varying the spiciness, adding different toppings, or serving it with various sides.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Recipe Note<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some Carnitas recipes I’ve tried call for broiling the cooked pork in the oven after cooking it in the crock pot. For me, this hasn’t always worked well because sometimes the meat broils unevenly and dries out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, this pan-frying method is much more exact, as you can brown the meat and remove it from the pan as soon as it’s perfect. Adding some of the cooking juices keeps it moist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients Needed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty slow cooker Carnitas: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 bone-in pork shoulder roast<\/strong>, about 4 pounds – You can substitute boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, if you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3\/4 cup fresh orange juice<\/strong> – or you can substitute chicken broth or water<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 teaspoon salt<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 teaspoon dried oregano<\/strong>, finely crumbled<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 teaspoons ground cumin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 onion<\/strong>, chopped – white, yellow or red onion, whichever you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 large fresh jalapeno<\/strong> – The jalapeno cooks down and isn’t very spicy. You can substitute a large Anaheim chile if you prefer a less spicy dish, or one or two serrano peppers for more heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 cloves garlic<\/strong>, minced (or more or less to suit your tastebuds)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 tablespoon olive oil<\/strong> – or you can substitute your preferred vegetable oil<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 tablespoon butter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

fresh limes<\/strong> for squeezing and cilantro<\/strong> (optional) for garnish<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do You Put Orange Juice in Carnitas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The orange juice in the cooking liquid provides acidity that helps break down the meat so it’s extra tender and juicy. It also adds a hint of citrus flavor that perfectly compliments the slow cooker pork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also like to squeeze fresh limes on the finished Carnitas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipment Needed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this slow cooker carnitas recipe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n