Effortless Crockpot Carnitas: Mexican Pulled Pork Perfection

Juicy Crockpot Carnitas: The Easiest Mexican Pulled Pork EVER!

By Rafael CruzMay 31, 2025

Table of Contents

Okay, mates, let's talk crockpot carnitas . seriously, who doesn't love a good pulled pork situation? especially one that requires minimal effort? this recipe's about to become your new best friend.

It’s dead easy to make, and the flavors are insane .

Craving Mexican? Meet Your New Favourite: Crockpot Carnitas!

Fancy some easy mexican food without all the fuss? then get this! we're diving headfirst into a dish that's both comforting and bursting with flavor: crockpot carnitas .

It’s your ticket to deliciousness and all done in your crock pot slow cooker . but first i have a quotation by julia child that i want to share here: "with enough butter, anything is good"

Origin and Ease

Carnitas, traditionally from mexico, involves simmering pork in lard. but, honestly, who has time for that? this version uses a slow cooker kip to make things super simple.

It's an easy mexican dish that even i can't mess up after a pint at the pub. it's a pretty easy recipe, taking about 20 minutes to prep and then 6- 8 hours in the crockpot on low.

It yields enough for 6-8 servings. perfect for a family gathering or even just a cheeky meal prep session.

Why You Need This in Your Life

Mexican slow cooker recipes are my go-to when i want something tasty. plus, the pork shoulder is packed with protein.

It’s great for feeding a crowd at a barbecue. or maybe after a sunday football session with your mates. what makes this carnitas recipe special is the searing.

I know it's an extra step, but trust me, it really locks in the flavour. honestly, searing it makes the pork taste absolutely divine!

Let's Talk Ingredients (The Fun Stuff!)

Ready to get cracking? you'll need about 5 lb of pork shoulder, olive oil, an onion, garlic, an orange, a lime, and some yummy spices like oregano and cumin.

Don't forget the chicken broth! also, it’s really important that you select the best pork shoulder for this recipe. if it has a fat cap, it will be much better.

And speaking of ingredients, i’m going to share a secret of my grandmother about the chicken broth here, it is that when you cook chicken broth, you need to let it cool down a little bit so the flavor really blends in to the broth.

Right, let's get cooking! These Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker are dead simple.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Carnitas Toolkit

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need. this crockpot carnitas recipe is pretty forgiving. but, having the right bits and bobs makes it so much easier.

Trust me, i've learned from experience! this is easy mexican done right.

Main Ingredients Deets

Pork Shoulder: You want about 5 lb (2.27 kg) . Look for good marbling. That fat equals flavour! A darker color means more flavor too!
Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for searing.
Onion: One large one, chopped. Yellow or white works fine.
Garlic: You'll need 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, honestly.
Citrus: Grab 1 orange and 1 lime . Quartered, please!
Spices: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) each of dried oregano and ground cumin. Also, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of chili powder, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of pepper. Adjust salt to your liking.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) . Low sodium is always a good shout.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

This spice combo is key . oregano and cumin are best friends with pork. chili powder adds a gentle warmth. you could add a pinch of smoked paprika.

That will make it taste divine! for flavour enhancers, a bay leaf in the slow cooker meals makes a big difference.

Don't be shy with the garlic either!

If you're missing something, don't panic. Cumin can sub for chili powder. Dried thyme works instead of oregano in chicken slow cooker recipes . The key is to have fun!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for awesome crock pot slow cooker chicken carnitas .

Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger is ideal. Think Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker .
Large Skillet: For searing the pork. Cast iron is amazing, if you have one.
Tongs: These are essential for handling hot meat.
Measuring Spoons/Cups: To get those measurements right.
Citrus Juicer (Optional): Makes juicing easier, but not essential.

If you haven't got a skillet, use a big pot. no tongs? forks work in a pinch! honest to god, you don't need fancy equipment.

It's all about the flavour. this mexican slow cooker recipe is about ease. try my slow cooker kip , it's a great carnitas recipe to try.

Crockpot Carnitas: Your Ticket to Taco Tuesday Glory!

Honestly, are you even living if you haven't experienced the joy of crockpot carnitas ? it is one of my all time favorites! it is a real game changer for busy weeknights.

Forget slaving over a hot stove. this carnitas recipe is all about easy mexican flavor, done the slow cooker way.

I once made these for a garden party and everyone went absolutely bonkers for them! trust me, this is a crowd pleaser.

**Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Magic**

Okay, let's get organised. first, chop that big ol' onion. mince those garlic cloves. quarter your orange and lime. it's the essential mise en place , innit? having everything ready to roll saves a load of time.

Safety first! wash those hands before you handle the pork. we don't want any nasty surprises.

From Zero to Hero: Carnitas in 7 Easy Steps

Right, here's how to nail it, step-by-step:

Sear the pork in a hot pan. Medium high heat is your friend.
Onions and garlic go in the crock pot slow cooker first.
Pile that seared pork on top of the base.
Squeeze those citrus fruits over the pork.
Sprinkle with oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of chicken broth.
Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .

That's it! You're nearly there.

Expert Tips for Carnitas Nirvana

Want to take your mexican slow cooker game to the next level? first tip: searing the pork is non-negotiable. it locks in the flavour.

The meat should shred easily with a fork. avoid overcooking. for the ultimate chicken carnitas experience, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, until crispy.

You can use chicken slow cooker recipes too, and it's also delicious.

Listen, creating memorable slow cooker meals doesn’t have to be a drag. with crockpot recipes slow cooker , and a bit of know how, your dinners can be easy, delicious, and stress free! that's a fact.

Give it a go. i reckon you'll love it.

Alright, so you're ready to really nail those crockpot carnitas . let's talk about the nitty gritty, the little things that can make or break your mexican slow cooker masterpiece.

Honestly, these "recipe notes" are where you can totally customize and make this carnitas recipe your own.

Recipe Deep look into

Serving Suggestions - Level Up Your Plate!

Right, so you've got your beautifully shredded crockpot recipes slow cooker carnitas. now what? don't just dump it on a plate! think about the presentation.

Little things like finely chopped cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice really make a difference.

Why not create a taco bar? set out warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, pickled onions...you know, the works. people love that! as for drinks, a classic margarita is always a winner, or even a refreshing agua fresca.

Storage Tips - Making It Last

Okay, you've got leftovers...lucky you! Let's keep them safe. Pop the Carnitas Recipe in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing is also an option. just make sure it's cooled down completely first. i've done this loads of times! thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Works a treat!

Variations - Let's Get Creative

Want to spice things up? add a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker kip . boom! heat! for a healthier twist, ditch the tortillas and serve in lettuce wraps.

Seriously, it's a game changer.

Seasonally speaking, think about what's fresh. in the summer, some grilled corn salsa would be amazing on these mexican slow cooker carnitas.

In the winter, maybe a roasted butternut squash salsa for something a bit warmer.

Nutrition Basics - Goodness Inside

Look, i'm not a nutritionist, but i know these crockpot recipes slow cooker carnitas are packed with protein. that's a win, right? the slow cooking also makes the pork super tender, which is easier to digest.

Plus, you're getting some vitamins and minerals from the onions, garlic, and citrus. but remember, this is still pork, so moderation is key!

So, there you have it. my insider tips for taking your chicken carnitas to the next level! don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy your delicious slow cooker meals ! you got this, mate! and don't forget there are a whole list of chicken slow cooker recipes you can explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make crockpot carnitas ahead of time? It's like the Great British Baking Show round here gotta plan ahead!

Absolutely! Crockpot carnitas are perfect for making ahead. You can cook the pork, shred it, and then store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to serve, just crisp it up in a skillet or under the broiler. This also gives the flavors more time to meld together, like a good cup of tea steeping!

How do I get my crockpot carnitas nice and crispy like they do at the taqueria?

The key to crispy carnitas is the finishing touch! After shredding the pork, spread it out on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until the edges get golden brown and crispy.

Alternatively, you can crisp them up in a hot skillet with a little of the fat rendered from the slow cooker think of it like giving them a nice sun tan!

My crockpot carnitas came out a bit dry. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

Dry carnitas can happen if your pork shoulder was particularly lean or if it cooked for too long. To fix it, try adding some of the cooking liquid back to the shredded pork. You can also add a little extra orange or lime juice.

Next time, make sure to use a well marbled pork shoulder and check for doneness a bit earlier. A little pork fat is your friend here, just like a bit of butter makes everything better!

What's the best way to store leftover crockpot carnitas? Will they still be good after a few days?

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Be sure to cool them completely before freezing. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.

Like a good cheese, they mature nicely, but don't leave them too long!

Can I add different spices or flavors to my crockpot carnitas recipe? Fancy something a bit different, innit?

Absolutely! The basic recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment. You could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño for some heat. Other good additions include smoked paprika, Mexican oregano, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

Think of it as putting your own signature on a classic tune - make it your own!

Is crockpot carnitas healthy? I'm trying to watch my figure, you know!

Crockpot carnitas, while delicious, can be high in fat depending on the cut of pork used. To make them healthier, trim excess fat from the pork shoulder before cooking. You can also serve them with healthier toppings like salsa, cilantro, and avocado instead of cheese and sour cream. Portion control is key!

Serving in lettuce wraps rather than tortillas is also a good way to cut back on carbs. Remember, a balanced diet is the best diet!