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–+ servings
Crockpot Carnitas

Crockpot Carnitas: Tender, Flavor-Packed Mexican Delight

Enjoy the tender, flavor-packed delight of Crockpot Carnitas, a simple and customizable Mexican dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Carnitas
  • 4 pounds Pork Shoulder rich in marbling for tenderness
  • 4 cloves Garlic fresh preferred
  • 1 large Onion yellow or white
  • 2 tablespoons Cumin adjust for heat preference
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Mexican oregano preferred
  • 1 cup Orange Juice fresh squeezed is ideal
  • 1 lime Lime Juice fresh is best
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
For Serving
  • 12 small Tortillas corn for gluten-free option
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro for garnish
  • 1 cup Salsa consider salsa verde
  • 2 medium Avocado for topping
  • 1 cup Pickled Red Onions adds sweetness and acidity

Equipment

  • Crockpot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Carnitas
  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, cut into large chunks, mince garlic and chop onion. Squeeze fresh lime juice and measure orange juice.
  2. Combine in the Crockpot: Place pork chunks at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, then sprinkle cumin and oregano. Pour orange and lime juice over everything.
  3. Set the Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot and set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until pork shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Shred the Pork: Remove pork from crockpot and shred into bite-sized pieces. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid.
  5. Serve Your Carnitas: Return shredded carnitas to the crockpot, stir in juices, and serve in warm tortillas with fresh toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, allow enough time for slow cooking to achieve the best texture. Utilize leftovers in various dishes like tacos and burritos.

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