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–+ SERVINGS

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Yield: 8 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 hours 30 minutes
Total: 8 hours 40 minutes
The easiest carnitas you will ever make in the crockpot, cooked low and slow for the most amazing fall-apart tender goodness!
5 stars (95 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt, or more, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 pound pork shoulder, excess fat trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 onions, quartered
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Season pork shoulder with spice mixture, rubbing in thoroughly on all sides.
  • Place garlic, onions, orange juice, lime juice and seasoned pork shoulder into a 6-qt slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  • Remove pork shoulder from the slow cooker and shred the meat before returning to the pot with the juices; season with salt and pepper, to taste, if needed. Cover and keep warm for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to broil. Place carnitas onto a baking sheet and broil until crisp and crusted, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Serve immediately.