Description
This Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe delivers tender, juicy shredded pork shoulder simmered in a flavorful blend of spices, orange juice, and garlic. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or a savory main dish, the slow cooking process makes the pork incredibly tender and easy to shred, with a crispy finish under the broiler to add delightful texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork and Vegetables
- 4 pound pork shoulder
- 2 jalapeño peppers diced, ribs and seeds removed
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 2 tablespoons jarred minced garlic
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Liquid Mixture
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the pork shoulder roast, diced jalapeño peppers, diced sweet onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the pork and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Mix Liquids: In a separate bowl, stir together the chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, tomato paste, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add Liquid Mixture: Pour this mixture over the pork roast in the slow cooker, ensuring the pork is mostly covered.
- Cook Pork: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 9 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 201 degrees Fahrenheit and is easily shreddable.
- Shred Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Crisp the Pork: Spread the shredded pork on a foil-lined cookie sheet and place under the broiler for 10 minutes or until the edges become crispy. Alternatively, serve the pork as is without crisping.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, warm pork in a skillet with a splash of broth or bake spread out on a baking sheet at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
- For easy shredding, ensure pork reaches an internal temperature between 203–205 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal tenderness.
- Nutrition info varies depending on serving method and accompaniments.
