Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas are a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that delivers tender, flavorful pork with a crispy finish. This recipe takes advantage of the slow cooker’s convenience to create perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth carnitas that can be used in tacos, burritos, bowls, or simply enjoyed on their own. The final step of broiling the shredded pork gives it that irresistible crispy texture, making these carnitas a hit at any meal. Easy to prepare and full of authentic flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 oranges, juiced (reserve the peels)
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork:
- Season the pork chunks generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Add Aromatics and Spices:
- Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, chili powder, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Toss in the orange peels for extra flavor.
- Slow Cook the Pork:
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Pork:
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and discard the orange peels and bay leaves. Shred the pork using two forks, then spread the shredded pork out on a baking sheet.
- Crisp the Carnitas:
- Preheat your broiler to high. Place the baking sheet with the shredded pork under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Transfer the crispy carnitas to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy the carnitas in tacos, burritos, bowls, or on their own.
Enjoy these Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas as a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal, offering tender, flavorful pork with a satisfying crispy finish that will delight your taste buds.
