Pork Carnitas Recipe (Slow Cooker) (2024)

Crispy Pork Carnitas are slow cooked with spices and a bit of citrus zest until the pork shoulder becomes tender and succulent. The pork is pulled and crisped on the outside for the perfect filler for tortillas or topper for burrito bowls!

Serve this easy dish alongside cilantro tomato rice or on top ofCilantro Lime Rice with a side of Mexican Grilled Corn. Add in a spoonful of Homemade Guacamole and you’ve got the perfect tableside fiesta!

Easy Pork Tacos

When it comes to indescribably delicious comfort food, nothing surpasses this carnitas recipe. Succulent and meaty, this dish is inexpensive, yet sensational!

The first time I ever tasted pork carnitas was when my friend Mary from Barefeet in the Kitchen made these amazing carnitas! I think we stood at the stove and ate 3/4 of the recipe right off the pan. So good!

What is Carnitas?

Pork carnitas is Mexican pulled pork the word actually means “little meat,” (but there’s nothing small about the huge flavor you’ll get from this recipe)!

Pork for Carnitas: Carnitas meat is best when made from a pork shoulder roast. Tough and flavorful, this economical cut of meat takes especially well to braising on low heat in the slow cooker. After several hours, the fat has dissolved and the pork becomes fall apart tender. It is shredded, spread out on a cookie sheet and popped under the broiler for a few minutes. The resulting crispy brown edges make the meat incredibly scrumptious.

Traditionally, Mexican pork carnitas are braised in oil or lard but we prefer to cook meat in broth, citrus juices, herbs and spices.

Pork for Carnitas

I use a pork shoulder for this recipe. Just likeSlow Cooker Pulled Pork orCrock Pot Pork Chops, this recipe needs a nicely marbled fattier cut of pork. As it cooks low and slow it becomes melt in your mouth tender.

A pork tenderloin is great for making roasted or grilledpork tenderloin but it’s not ideal for slow cooking in this recipe as it’ll dry out.

How to Make Carnitas

This is an easy meal to make, but takes planning, like most slow cooker meals. But I promise, carnitas are well worth the wait! Here’s how to make the best ever slow cooker carnita recipe:

• CITRUS: Use a vegetable peeler to peel strips off the oranges/lime. We add this to the slow cooker in place of the whole rind for great flavor without the bitter pith (the white part of the orange peel). Juice the oranges and limes.
• PORK: Brown the pork (again, this just adds more flavor) and add to the slow cooker with all of the other ingredients.

• SHRED: When the meat is fork tender, pull into small chunks (we prefer this over finely shredded).
• .CRISP:
  • Broil: Spread the shredded meat on a cookie sheet broil until the edges are deep brown and crispy.
  • Stove Top: Add a bit of olive oil to a hot pan and add pork. Do not stir until browned and crisp on one side.
  • Air Fryer: If you have an airfryer, 4-6 minutes at a high temperature (425°F) will produce the perfect crisp.

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Proceed as directed in the recipe increasing the broth by 1/2 cup. If browning the pork in the Instant Pot, be certain to deglaze very well before pressure cooking. If you have little brown bits left on the bottom of the IP, you risk getting the dreaded burn notice.

Cook the pork chunks on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow for natural release 15 minutes. Broil/crisp as directed.

To Serve Carnitas

Ladle on some more of the pot juices and serve with tortillas, a variety of toppings. Pork carnitas are best served rolled in soft corn tortillas topped with veggies or condiments.

A fun way to serve crispy carnitas tacos is to place a variety of toppings on the table and let everyone pick and choose at will. Include bowls of shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo and shredded cheese.

Pork carnitas are savory and filling, so look for side dishes that are fresh, light, and somewhat acidic or sweet. Try serving it with cucumber salad, or a fresh mango salsa for a heavenly and scrumptious repast. Don’t forget the margaritas!

More Mexican Favorites

• Easy Ground Beef Tacos – so easy
• Shrimp Tacos – so fresh
• Easy Fish Tacos – perfect for summer
• Creamy Chicken Enchiladas– easy and flavorful
• Chicken Tortilla Soup – family favorite