Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Candelario Gislason PhD

Updated on May 9, 2024

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

6 hrs

Total Time:

6 hrs 20 mins

Servings:

Ingredients

4 pounds pork shoulder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 orange, cut in half, juiced and peel reserved
1 lime, juiced
1 white onion, quartered
2 bay leaves
tortillas, cilantro, sliced jalapeno, diced white onion, and lime wedges for serving or as desired

Directions

Cut pork into 5 to 6 large chunks. Season each piece evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin.
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add pork in a single layer to the hot skillet. If meat does not fit, do this step in 2 batches. Cook pork, untouched until well browned on the first side, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove meat and place into the bottom of a slow cooker.
To the hot skillet, add onion and cook 1 minute. Deglaze pan with orange juice, lime juice, and 1 1/4 cups water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Pour water mixture over pork in the slow cooker, add bay leaves, and cover.
Cook on High for 4 to 5 hours or on Low 6 to 7 hours or until pork is very tender.
Preheat the oven to broil. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred into approximately 2 to 3 inch pieces and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon some of the juices evenly over the pork, and reserve about 1 cup of juices for serving. Broil pork for 3 to 5 minutes, or until slightly crispy and browned, tossing halfway through if necessary.
Serve in toasted tortillas with japaleno slices, chopped onion, cilantro, and lime wedges, or as desired

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

900	Calories
46g	Fat
68g	Carbs
51g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 900
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 46g	59%
Saturated Fat 16g	80%
Cholesterol 163mg	54%
Sodium 940mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate 68g	25%
Dietary Fiber 6g	22%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 51g	103%
Vitamin C 77mg	85%
Calcium 137mg	11%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 982mg	21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.