There’s something special about the warmth that fills the kitchen as I slowly cook a hearty meal—especially when it’s something as delightful as carnitas. The tantalizing aroma of tender, slow-cooked pork mingling with the bright notes of orange juice always transports me back to my favorite taco nights. With just five minutes of prep, this recipe effortlessly transforms into a crowd-pleaser, allowing even the busiest home cooks to shine!
Picture this: succulent pork that shreds like a dream, crisped to perfection in a hot pan, making it the ideal filling for tacos, burritos, or even as a savory topping for salads. Plus, the best part? The leftovers freeze beautifully, ensuring that this flavorful feast can be enjoyed anytime the craving strikes. So, whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply elevate your weeknight dinner, let’s dive into this easy and versatile carnitas recipe!
Why is Carnitas a Must-Try Dish?
Simple Preparation: With only five minutes of prep, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this gem!
Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and fresh orange juice infuses the meat, delivering a taste that’s both rich and refreshing.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these carnitas in tacos, burritos, or even as a topping on a salad for a delightful twist!
Freezer-Friendly: Cook once, enjoy multiple times—these carnitas stay delicious even after freezing.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or casual meals, everyone will love diving into a platter of juicy, crispy carnitas!
Carnitas Ingredients
• The secret to perfect carnitas lies in its beautifully balanced ingredients!
For the Carnitas
- Pork Shoulder – Offers a rich, fatty base for tender, flavorful meat; substitute with pork butt for similar texture.
- Salt (2 1/2 tsp) – Enhances the meat flavor; consider reducing for low-sodium diets.
- Black Pepper (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and depth to the dish without overpowering.
- Onion (1, chopped) – Brings sweetness and aroma during cooking; yellow or white onion works great!
- Jalapeño (1, deseeded and chopped) – Provides a mild heat; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Infuses aromatic depth into the dish; garlic powder is a suitable substitution if needed.
- Orange Juice (3/4 cup from 2 oranges) – A key ingredient that creates a rich braising liquid, balancing sweetness and flavor in the carnitas.
- Dried Oregano (1 tbsp) – Adds a fragrant herbal note; Mexican oregano is preferred but regular works too.
- Ground Cumin (2 tsp) – Essential for the traditional flavor profile; can be omitted for a more straightforward taste.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Used for pan-frying to achieve crispy edges; vegetable oil is an acceptable alternative.
For Pan-Frying
- Additional Olive Oil (for frying) – Helps achieve that delicious crispy texture; can be swapped with vegetable oil if preferred.
How to Make Carnitas
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Prep Pork: Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and dry it thoroughly. Give it a generous rub with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
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Make Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the dried oregano and ground cumin. Sprinkle this rub all over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated for maximum flavor.
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Slow Cook: Place the seasoned pork in your slow cooker with the fat cap facing up. Scatter the chopped onion, jalapeño, and minced garlic around the meat. Pour the fresh orange juice over everything. Cook on low for 10 hours or high for about 7 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
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Shred Meat: Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker once done. Let it cool for a few minutes, then use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.
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Pan Frying: In a skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add the shredded pork and drizzle with some of the cooking juices. Sear the meat until it’s golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and briefly crisp the other side, but be careful not to overdo it—juicy is key!
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Serve: Serve the carnitas warm, drizzling any remaining juices over the top. They’re perfect for tacos with your favorite toppings or alongside a fresh salad.
Optional: Top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an extra zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Carnitas
- Browning Matters: Don’t skip the pan-frying step; achieving a crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the tender meat, making your carnitas irresistible!
- Cooking Time: Ensure you cook the pork long enough in the slow cooker until fork-tender. Under cooking can lead to tough meat.
- Mixing Flavors: Feel free to experiment with additional spices. A pinch of cayenne can add a delightful kick to the classic carnitas flavor.
- Storing Wisely: Keep shredded pork and juices in separate containers when refrigerating. This helps maintain moisture and flavor during reheating.
- Utilize Leftovers: Use carnitas in various dishes like tacos, burritos, or salads—its versatility makes it perfect for meal prep!
How to Store and Freeze Carnitas
Fridge: Store cooked carnitas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the shredded pork separate from the cooking juices to maintain moisture when reheating.
Freezer: Freeze carnitas in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the carnitas overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of the reserved cooking juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Make Ahead Options
These Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork) are ideal for meal prep, ensuring you can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals even on your busiest days! You can season and prepare the pork shoulder up to 24 hours in advance, simply rub it with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin, then refrigerate it. The chopped onions, jalapeños, and garlic can also be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, place the marinated pork in the slow cooker with the fresh orange juice and cook as directed. To enjoy maximum flavor and texture, pan-fry the shredded carnitas right before serving for that crispy edge that makes this dish irresistible!
What to Serve with Carnitas?
Creating the perfect meal around these scrumptious carnitas can elevate your dining experience. Let your imagination run wild with delectable side dishes and complementary flavors.
- Warm Tortillas: Soft, freshly warmed tortillas are ideal for wrapping those irresistible carnitas, making every bite a delight.
- Creamy Avocado Salsa: The cool creaminess of avocado salsa is a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory meat.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh, zesty salsa adds a burst of flavor and brightness, balancing the deep taste of carnitas beautifully.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fragrant rice infused with lime and cilantro complements the carnitas and provides a satisfying, hearty base.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds texture and a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender meat.
- Black Beans: Protein-packed black beans bring heartiness and a creamy element that melds wonderfully with the flavors of carnitas.
- Margaritas: Sip on a classic margarita to enhance your taco night and match the festive atmosphere of a Mexican feast.
- Churros: For dessert, indulge in warm churros dusted with cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish to your meal.
Gathering friends or family around the table to enjoy these pairings will turn your meal into a memorable event, full of flavor and joy!
Carnitas Variations
Feel free to explore these variations to make the carnitas truly your own!
- Spicy Twist: Add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor that will elevate your dish.
- Zesty Citrus: Substitute lemon or lime juice for orange juice to create a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the meat’s richness.
- Herbal Infusion: Throw in fresh cilantro or parsley in the slow cooker for an aromatic touch that brings freshness to every bite.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the seasoning mix for a hint of sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash added during cooking can create a lovely tang, perfect for cutting through the richness of the pork.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in bell peppers or carrots in the slow cooker for extra texture and a nutritious boost—this is a delicious twist that doesn’t compete with the flavors of the meat.
- Cooking Methods: Use a pressure cooker for a quick alternative; cooked carnitas can be done in an hour, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
- Smoky Goodness: Incorporate smoked paprika into the seasoning mix for a deep, smoky flavor reminiscent of outdoor grilling that pairs perfectly with the tender meat.
Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork) Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pork for carnitas?
Absolutely! When selecting pork shoulder (or pork butt), look for a cut that has a good amount of fat marbling. This fat renders during cooking, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Avoid cuts with excessive dark spots or blind areas as these can indicate spoilage. Fresh pork should be pink with a slight sheen.
How should I store leftover carnitas?
Very good question! Store your cooked carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep shredded pork separate from its juices to help maintain moisture during reheating. If you find yourself with leftovers, consider diving into meal prep by making something delicious out of them later!
Can I freeze carnitas, and how do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your carnitas, allow them to cool completely before storing them in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label and date the container, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight, or use the microwave for a quick defrost if you’re in a hurry.
What if my carnitas turn out dry?
Oh no! If your carnitas are dry, don’t despair. Reheating them in a skillet with a splash of orange juice or the reserved cooking juices can help add moisture back into the meat. Make sure you’re heating over low to medium heat to avoid further drying.
Are these carnitas suitable for specific dietary needs?
Yes, very much so! This carnitas recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted for lower sodium diets by reducing salt. Additionally, if anyone in your family has allergies to specific spices or certain ingredients, you can customize the spices and flavorings without losing that classic taste we all love!
How do I reheat frozen carnitas?
For sure! When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen carnitas, move them from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, use the microwave to defrost them in 90-second intervals. Once thawed, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through; adding a drizzle of orange juice or broth will revitalize those flavor bomb bites!
Mouthwatering Carnitas: Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and dry it thoroughly. Rub with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix oregano and cumin. Coat the pork with this rub.
- Place pork in a slow cooker with fat cap up. Add onion, jalapeño, garlic, and pour orange juice.
- Cook on low for 10 hours or high for 7 hours until fork-tender.
- Remove the pork, let it cool, and shred into pieces.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add shredded pork, sear until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm, drizzling with remaining juices over the top. Enjoy in tacos or salads.