Slow Cooker Carnitas: Restaurant-Quality Pork Tacos Made Easy

Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe: Restaurant-Style at Home!

By Rafael CruzMay 29, 2025

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper tasty tacos, but can't be arsed with loads of effort? this carnitas recipe slow cooker is your answer.

Honestly, it's the easiest way to get that rich, melt-in-your mouth pork that everyone raves about.

Brief Overview

Carnitas, meaning "little meats" in spanish, is a mexican classic. it is traditionally made in a big copper pot. this recipe takes a shortcut with your slow cooker! it's dead simple, takes about 6- 8 hours on low.

This pork shoulder recipes will feed 6-8 hungry bellies.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this carnitas recipe is that it's healthier than takeout. you control the ingredients! the slow cooking makes the pork ridiculously tender.

Serve it at your next bbq, it is perfect for that! it is guaranteed to be a winner.

Right, let's talk ingredients. you'll need a 3-4 pound pork shoulder . don't be shy with the fat, it adds flavour.

Cut it into chunks, then we'll get to work with the other bits and bobs.

You know, when i first tried making carnitas, i was intimidated. i thought it'd be too complicated. oh my gosh , i was so wrong! the slow cooker does all the hard work.

Next up, we got the citrus, one orange and one lime. also, grab a large onion, 4 cloves of garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, chilli powder and smoked paprika.

And don't forget salt and pepper, innit!.

We're nearly there! You'll also need some chicken broth. This helps keep everything moist and delicious during the long slow cooking process.

Did you know? Slow cooking can actually help to tenderize tougher cuts of meat. It is perfect for pork shoulder . It is all about the low and slow.

Now, let's talk a bit more about the instant pot carnitas recipe . it's a super quick option, if you haven't got 8 hours! you can find instant pot carnitas and best instant pot recipe online.

But honestly? the slow cooker version is worth the wait. it brings out so much more flavour.

And there you have it! all you need for the perfect slow cooker carnitas recipe . the real secret is the citrus! this gives the pork a unique, tangy flavour.

I learnt that one the hard way.

Get ready for some amazing Tacos Burritos !

Okay, mate! let's get down to brass tacks and talk ingredients and kit for the most banging carnitas recipe slow cooker you'll ever try.

Honestly, it's easier than making beans on toast, i swear. we're aiming for that proper restaurant quality, you know? the kind that makes you wanna shout "olé!" after every bite.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Right, here's what you'll need. Don't skimp on the quality, yeah? It really makes a difference. Remember: It ain't about the money.

Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): 3-4 lbs (1.36-1.81 kg) . Look for a nice bit of pork shoulder. You want some marbling (that's the fat running through it, see?), but not too much. If you spot bone-in, grab that, it brings more flavour.
Orange: 1 large, quartered . You want a juicy, sweet orange. None of that dry, tasteless stuff, alright?
Lime: 1 large, quartered . The lime adds a bit of zing. Essential!
Onion: 1 large, roughly chopped . Any kind of onion will do, but I prefer a brown onion for this.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced . Fresh garlic is a must. None of that jarred stuff, cheers.
Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon . Don't be shy with it.
Ground Cumin: 1 tablespoon . This adds a warm, earthy note.
Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon . Just a bit of warmth, not too spicy. Unless you're a chilli head, of course.
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon . This is where the magic happens. It gives that authentic, smoky flavour.
Ground Coriander: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds a little lemony, floral hint, you know?
Salt: 1 teaspoon, plus more to taste . Seasoning is key!
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste . Freshly ground, if you've got it.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Honestly, the right spice combo is everything. we are building flavour profiles here! the oregano, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and coriander? that's your foundation.

Feel free to tweak it to your liking. a pinch of cayenne pepper never hurt anyone! the best instant pot recipe would benefit from a bit of spice also.

If you're missing smoked paprika, regular paprika will do in a pinch, but it won't be quite the same. for a bit more depth, chuck in a bay leaf or two.

Remember to take them out before serving! if you want to try another way you can check an instant pot carnitas recipe for guidance

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make amazing carnitas .

Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger) . This is the star of the show. Any slow cooker will do.
Large Skillet or Baking Sheet . For crisping up the pork at the end. If you don't have a skillet, a baking sheet will work just as well.
Tongs . Essential for wrangling that pork.

Right then, that's the kit sorted. get your ingredients together, and let's get cooking! next up, we'll dive into the actual recipe.

I'm telling you, this instant pot pork version is gonna blow your mind. whether you prefer tacos burritos , or just fork diving directly into the goods, you're in for a treat.

This also makes a great dish for easy instant pot meals and also one of the best instant pot dinner option.

Alright, let's talk carnitas recipe slow cooker style! forget those bland imitations. we are diving headfirst into succulent, fall apart deliciousness that'll have your mates begging for the recipe.

Honestly, this is the best instant pot recipe i’ve found. even a novice cook can nail it.

Carnitas Prep: Let's Get Organized!

First things first, the mise en place is key. we need to get our ducks in a row. roughly chop 1 large onion , mince 4 cloves of garlic .

Quarter 1 large orange and 1 large lime . have all your spices ready to go. this takes like 20 minutes tops.

A massive time saver is pre-measuring your spices into a small bowl. trust me, it makes everything smoother.

Slow Cooker Carnitas: step-by-step to Amazing

Trim the pork: Get 3-4 lbs pork shoulder . Chop it into 2-3 inch chunks, don't be a perfectionist.
Slow cooker magic: Chuck the pork into the slow cooker. Squeeze the juice from the orange and lime over the pork. Toss in the rinds, onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon dried oregano , 1 tablespoon ground cumin , 1 teaspoon chili powder , 1 teaspoon smoked paprika , 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander , 1 teaspoon salt , 1/2 teaspoon black pepper , and 1/2 cup chicken broth .
Slow Cook: Cook it low and slow for 6- 8 hours on low , or 3- 4 hours on high .
Shredding time: Pull the pork out, get rid of the citrus rinds. Shred it with two forks.
Crisp it up: You can do this! In a hot pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid. Add the shredded pork and crisp it on all sides. We want that caramelised flavour!

Pro Tips for the Best Carnitas Ever

Don't skip the crisping step! it is essential to get that lovely texture. be careful when crisping. it's easy to burn it, so watch it carefully.

A common mistake is not seasoning enough. give it a good taste test after shredding and add more salt and pepper if needed.

This instant pot carnitas recipe is so versatile. these instant pot carnitas are perfect for tacos burritos , salads, or just scoffing straight from the pan.

I love making a huge batch of this for easy instant pot meals during the week. and trust me, it's an instant pot dinner everyone will love.

You can easily adapt this to be the best instant pot recipe ! pork shoulder recipes are always great, but this carnitas recipe is a winner! honestly, i’ve never had an easier time making instant pot pork .

Alright, let's talk carnitas recipe slow cooker ! you've got this amazing pork, slow cooked to perfection. now, what's next? these are my notes.

This isn't just some stiff recipe. it's like we're chatting in my kitchen.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Get Fancy!

Honestly, plating can make all the difference. for tacos, warm those tortillas! nobody wants a cold, sad tortilla. consider a cute little dish with lime wedges, and some chopped cilantro.

Make it colourful. it is a party for the eyes, know?

Want something a bit different than the standard tacos burritos ? try a carnitas salad. sounds mad, but trust me! imagine crispy pork over a bed of greens with a zesty dressing.

Boom! instant class. serve the tacos or burritos with some ice cold mexican lager.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigeration is your friend. Pop those carnitas in an airtight container, they’ll be fine in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing options are also a shout. i’d portion them out before freezing, that way you're not defrosting the entire batch when you just want a quick instant pot dinner .

To reheat , a quick blast in a pan works wonders for getting that crisp back. you can reheat it in the oven if you want.

Variations: Spice it Up!

Feeling adventurous? Add a chopped jalapeno to the carnitas recipe . You get a real kick! This makes Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe so much better.

Or, if you are feeling health conscious, ( dietary adaptations ), try using a leaner cut of pork. it won't be as melt-in-your mouth, but hey, balance, innit? maybe you are thinking of a best instant pot recipe , you can add other flavours.

Seasonal stuff? Swap out the standard orange and lime for grapefruits and clementines, when they are in season. It is very Angelosoni, no?

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, simplified version. we're talking protein power! pork shoulder is packed with protein. it's got the good stuff for building muscles.

Each serving (estimated) has around 450-550 calories, 40-50g of protein and 25-35g of fat. obviously, nutrition information can vary. keep the recipe balanced.

This instant pot pork and pork shoulder recipes are great for that.

So, there you have it! A little extra something to make your carnitas recipe slow cooker experience even better. Get in the kitchen and get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this carnitas recipe slow cooker version ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time can actually improve the flavor. You can cook the pork in the slow cooker a day or two in advance, shred it, and store it in the fridge. Then, just crisp it up when you're ready to serve. It's like a culinary time warp deliciousness awaits!

How do I store leftover slow cooker carnitas, and how long will they last?

Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either crisp them up again in a skillet or warm them gently in the microwave. Fancy freezing them? Go for it! They'll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer, but wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

They're almost as good as new when reheated, perfect for a quick midweek meal.

What's the best cut of pork to use for this slow cooker carnitas recipe?

Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, is the absolute best choice for carnitas. It's got a good amount of fat running through it, which renders down during the slow cooking process, resulting in super tender and flavourful pulled pork.

Don't be tempted to use a leaner cut, as you'll miss out on that lovely, melt-in-your mouth texture. Remember, a bit of fat is your friend in this recipe!

My carnitas are falling apart, what am I doing wrong?

That's not necessarily a bad thing! Carnitas should be incredibly tender and easy to shred, which means they will naturally fall apart. If you find they're too mushy, it could be that you've cooked them for slightly too long. Just handle them gently when transferring them from the slow cooker.

Remember, overcooked but flavourful is still better than undercooked and bland. A bit like a good Sunday roast, really!

How do I get my carnitas crispy using the slow cooker carnitas recipe method?

The key to crispy carnitas is the final step after slow cooking. After shredding, heat a skillet with a little of the reserved cooking liquid (or even better, some rendered pork fat if you have it). Fry the shredded pork in batches, pressing down with a spatula to encourage browning.

Alternatively, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Think of it like toasting marshmallows, you want that golden crispness without setting them alight!

Can I adapt this carnitas recipe slow cooker version for a spicier flavour?

Absolutely! If you're after a bit of a kick, try adding a chopped jalapeno or serrano pepper to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a smoky heat, use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped.

Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't easily take it away, so start with a small amount and taste as you go. Now, that's what I call getting your bake on!