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Tender Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos

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A flavorful and tender slow cooker pork carnitas recipe perfect for easy weeknight meals and taco nights. This recipe features juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork with crispy edges and authentic Mexican spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds (1.4–1.8 kg) pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 orange, juiced (about 1/4 cup / 60 ml)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • Small corn or flour tortillas, for serving
  • Optional toppings: diced onions, fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, salsa verde

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, but leave some fat for juiciness. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over the pork, pressing it into all sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and crusty.
  4. Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Carefully set the seared pork on top.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice around the pork (not directly over to avoid washing off the spices).
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
  7. Remove pork to a large bowl and shred using two forks or tongs. Discard any large chunks of fat.
  8. Optional: Preheat oven broiler. Spread shredded pork in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil or a wire rack. Broil 3-5 minutes until edges are crispy and golden. Toss and broil another 2-3 minutes for maximum crunch.
  9. Warm tortillas, add a generous scoop of carnitas, and top with desired fixings like diced onions, cilantro, and avocado.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking locks in flavor and improves texture. The broiler step crisps the shredded pork edges for the perfect texture contrast. Avoid adding too much liquid to prevent mushy meat. Let pork rest before shredding to retain juices. Leftover cooking juices can be drizzled over tacos for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork carnitas, slow cooker pork, tacos, easy weeknight meals, Mexican recipe, tender pork, carnitas tacos

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/tender-slow-cooker-pork-carnitas-tacos-easy-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-meals/