The BEST Carnitas Recipe

Discover tender, slow-cooked carnitas bursting with vibrant citrus and savory spices. Succulent pork shoulder is transformed by orange juice, garlic, and herbs into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, complemented by delightfully crisped edges. This Mexican favorite promises an unforgettable culinary experience, inspiring delicious tacos, burritos, and festive celebrations. Treat yourself to authentic flavor.

I love making this Best Carnitas Recipe because it’s simple and packs a lot of nutritional value in every bite. I use 4 lbs pork shoulder cut into 2 inch cubes which is high in protein and gives you tons of energy.

The pork is seasoned with just kosher salt, a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, along with dried oregano and ground cumin to boost the flavor. I also toss in a large white onion quartered, 4 minced garlic cloves and the juice of 1 orange along with the spent halves.

I sometimes add the juice of 1 lime for that extra tang, and 2 bay leaves help bring it all together when it’s done slow cooking. The 1 cup of chicken broth not only keeps the meat moist but also adds extra nutrients.

This recipe is perfect for slow cooker carnitas tacos or even crispy slow cooker carnitas and is a great option for any Mexican main dishes using Crock Pot Recipes. Enjoy cookin and savor every bite!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the spices and citrus really give the pork a bold, tangy flavor that makes each bite so juicy and tender. I also like how easy it is to set up in my slow cooker—after a long day, I don’t wanna spend hours in the kitchen, you know? Plus, when I broil the shredded pork to get those crispy edges, it adds such a cool texture contrast that makes it way more fun to eat. And honestly, it’s super versatile since I can toss it into tacos, burritos, or even just enjoy it on its own.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder provides ample protein and healthy fats for juicy, tender carnitas.
• Kosher salt enhances flavor and preserves meat its a must for seasoning.
• White onion adds crunch and natural sweetness and also important fiber for digestion.
• Garlic infuses an intense aroma and flavor boosting the dish like none other.
• Fresh orange juice delivers a refreshing tang and natural sweetness to brighten flavors.
• Lime juice adds a tangy zing and extra brightness to the carnitas if you use it.
• Dried oregano lends an earthy aroma and subtle zest to finish the dish perfectly.
• Ground cumin warms the dish with a slightly nutty earthy punch.
• Chicken broth adds moisture and infuses hearty flavor to every shred.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 lbs pork shoulder (cut into 2 inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 large white onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 orange, plus the spent halves
• Juice of 1 lime (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup chicken broth

How to Make this

1. Pat the pork shoulder dry and toss it in a big bowl with the kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano and cumin.

2. Place the seasoned pork cubes in your slow cooker and add the quartered onion and minced garlic.

3. Squeeze the juice of one orange over the pork, then throw in the spent orange halves and if you want, add the lime juice.

4. Add in the bay leaves and pour the chicken broth over everything so it all gets nice and moist.

5. Give the mixture a gentle stir so the spices coat the pork evenly.

6. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 8 hours until the pork is super tender and falls apart easily.

7. Once the pork is done, take it out and shred it with two forks, then toss it back in the juices in the slow cooker.

8. For extra crispy edges, spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes so the edges crisp up a bit.

9. Stir the pork one more time to mix in all the flavors and then serve warm in tacos, burritos or with your favorite sides.

10. Enjoy your delicious carnitas and share ’em with your friends if you feel like it!

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl for tossing the pork with spices
2. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup to accurately add kosher salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and chicken broth
3. A cutting board and chef’s knife for cutting the pork and quartering the onion
4. A slow cooker to let the pork simmer and get tender over 8 hours
5. A citrus juicer or simply your hands to squeeze the juice of the orange (and optionally the lime)
6. A stirring spoon to mix everything together in the slow cooker
7. Two forks to shred the cooked pork
8. A baking sheet for spreading the shredded pork before broiling for crispy edges
9. An oven equipped with a broiler that crisps the pork after slow cooking

FAQ

The BEST Carnitas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the pork shoulder, you can also use boneless pork butt if thats what you have on hand its great for slow cooking.
• If you dont have kosher salt, try using sea salt or regular table salt, just adjust the amount as table salt can be a bit saltier.
• Not got fresh minced garlic? Pre-minced garlic from a jar works fine if you use a bit less since its more potent.
• If you lack an orange, you might mix in some lemon juice with a bit of extra sweetness or even a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• No bay leaves available? A pinch of thyme or rosemary can be used to impart a similar earthy aroma.

Pro Tips

1. It really helps to let the pork marinate for a while in the spice mix before you start slow cooking, this gives the meat a way richer flavor and makes it more tender when it cooks.

2. After shredding the pork, mix it back with the juices so it stays moist and gets to absorb even more of that delicious citrus and spice taste.

3. When you’re crisping up the edges in the oven, keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn, sometimes ovens can be super unpredictable.

4. If you like a little extra tang, feel free to add a bit more of that lime or even a splash of another citrus juice to brighten up the flavors.