If you’re looking for a dish that combines juicy, tender meat with bold, vibrant flavors and effortless cooking, then you’re going to love this Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe. This recipe takes the classic Mexican carnitas approach but simplifies it to the point where all you need is your trusty slow cooker and a handful of fresh ingredients to achieve melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s crispy on the edges and bursting with citrusy, garlicky goodness. Perfect for busy days or casual get-togethers, this carnitas dish promises both convenience and incredible flavor in one pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients list is. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s tenderizing the pork, adding seasoning, or bringing a bright, fresh note to the rich meat. These essentials ensure the carnitas are flavorful and aromatic without any fuss.
- Pork shoulder: The best cut for carnitas because it’s fatty and tender, perfect for slow cooking and shredding.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the meat develop a great crust when crisped.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness of the pork.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Jalapeno: Adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic: Gives a fragrant, savory punch that pairs beautifully with the pork.
- Fresh orange juice: Injects citrus brightness that cuts through the richness and tenderizes the meat.
- Dried oregano: This herb brings an earthy, slightly minty note that enriches the flavor profile.
- Ground cumin: Offers warm, smoky undertones essential for authentic carnitas.
- Olive oil: Helps create the spice rub and promotes caramelization when shredding the pork later.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Make the Spice Rub
Start by blending the dried oregano, ground cumin, and olive oil in a small bowl. This simple spice rub is the foundation of flavors that will coat the pork, infusing it with aromatic, warm, and slightly herbal notes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels so the spice rub sticks perfectly. Then, massage the spice mixture all over the pork, making sure to cover every inch. This ensures the meat absorbs those bold seasonings during cooking.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the spiced pork shoulder in the crockpot, then sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over the top. Add the chopped onion, jalapeno, and minced garlic right on top, creating a fragrant and flavorful bed around the pork.
Step 4: Add Fresh Orange Juice
Pour the fresh orange juice over everything in the crockpot. This citrus juice isn’t just for flavor; it also helps break down the pork fibers, making the meat irresistibly tender once it’s cooked low and slow.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Pork
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours, depending on your schedule. The key is to cook until the pork is so tender it falls apart with a fork—this is what makes the carnitas truly special.
Step 6: Shred and Soak
Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork back to the crockpot to soak in that delicious juice before serving, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your carnitas with fresh, vibrant garnishes. Chopped cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice add brightness and crunch that perfectly complement the rich pork. A sprinkle of queso fresco or sliced avocado can add creamy elements, turning simple carnitas into a full experience.
Side Dishes
Carnitas are incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Classic Mexican-style rice and refried beans make for a hearty accompaniment. For lighter options, serve with a crisp cabbage slaw or fresh pico de gallo. These sides balance the richness and add texture for an unforgettable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get inventive? Use the carnitas as a filling for soft corn tortillas for tacos, or stuff them inside warm flour tortillas for burritos. They’re also fantastic on nachos, pizzas, or even baked sweet potatoes. This Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe adapts beautifully to whatever presentation you love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is likely!), store the shredded carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days, giving you ready-to-use meat that can quickly jazz up any meal during the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the carnitas into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to include some of the cooking juices to keep the meat moist. Frozen carnitas can be stored for up to 3 months and are perfect for busy nights when you want a quick, tasty meal.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the carnitas in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them tender. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to dry them out. Warming slowly ensures the pork stays juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe?
Pork shoulder is ideal because of its fat content and tenderness after slow cooking, but you can also try pork butt if it’s available. Avoid lean cuts like pork loin as they may dry out and won’t shred as well.
Do I have to use fresh orange juice?
Fresh orange juice adds fresh acidity and a bright flavor, but in a pinch, bottled orange juice can work. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars to keep the taste balanced.
How can I get crispy edges on my carnitas?
After shredding the pork, spread it on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes until the edges crisp up. This step adds a wonderful texture contrast to the tender meat.
Is this recipe spicy?
The jalapeno provides a gentle warmth, but it’s not overpowering. You can adjust the amount or remove the seeds for less heat depending on your preference.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the extra pork and ingredients, and increase cooking time slightly if needed. The flavors will be just as delicious when scaled up.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe is a total game changer for anyone who wants authentic Mexican flavors without a complicated process. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, the juicy, flavorful pork will win hearts every time. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a kitchen favorite for good reason!
Print
Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Crockpot Carnitas recipe offers tender, flavorful shredded pork slow-cooked to perfection with a zesty blend of orange juice, garlic, jalapeno, and aromatic spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or a delicious main dish, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers rich, melt-in-your-mouth carnitas with ease.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 kg (4 lb) pork shoulder (pork butt), skinless, boneless (or 5 lb/2.5 kg bone-in)
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Liquids
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, ground cumin, and olive oil to create a flavorful spice mixture.
- Season the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Evenly rub the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring it is well coated on all sides.
- Arrange meat in crockpot: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the crockpot. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over the top of the pork.
- Add aromatics: Layer the chopped onion, deseeded and chopped jalapeno, and minced garlic on top of the pork to infuse the meat with additional flavors as it cooks.
- Pour in orange juice: Carefully pour the fresh orange juice over the ingredients in the crockpot to tenderize the meat and add a bright citrus dimension.
- Slow cook the pork: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 4 to 6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easy to shred.
- Shred and soak: Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it finely using two forks. Return the shredded pork back to the crockpot to soak in the flavorful cooking juices before serving for maximum taste and moisture.
Notes
- For extra crispy carnitas, after shredding, spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes to crisp up the edges.
- If bone-in pork shoulder is used, adjust cooking time as needed to ensure tenderness.
- Deseeding the jalapeno reduces heat; include seeds if more spice is desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve carnitas with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa for a classic meal.
