The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients and the slow cooking process, allowing the pork to become tantalizingly tender and infused with a medley of flavors. The result is juicy, pull-apart meat with a beautiful crispy edge that can be used in a variety of dishes: tacos, nachos, and even on their own. So pull out that slow cooker, roll up your sleeves, and let’s begin!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- For serving: corn tortillas, sour cream, salsa, fresh avocado, cilantro, etc
Instructions
- Prep (10 mins): In a bowl, mix together the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture over the pork pieces.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker (5 mins): Place the seasoned pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, orange juice, and lime juice in the slow cooker.
- Cook (6 hours): Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
- Crisp Up (10 mins): Once cooked, preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the pork to a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes or until the edges are crispy.
- Serve (5 mins): Serve the pork carnitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, salsa, and sour cream.
Notes
Embrace the versatility of these pork carnitas by experimenting with different toppings – think avocado slices, diced onions, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese! To achieve the best flavor, don’t skip broiling the meat; those crispy edges make all the difference. A side of rice and beans complements the carnitas perfectly, making the meal more satisfying. Feel free to make a double batch; the leftovers are just as delicious and can be used in salads, burritos, or omelets. Get creative and enjoy the endless possibilities this dish offers!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
