Description
Tender, flavorful, and effortlessly prepared, these Easy Crockpot Carnitas are seasoned with a smoky blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for tacos, burritos, or bowls, this dish brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Carnitas:
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2 lb pork shoulder
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1/4 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/3 cup fresh orange juice
For the Rub:
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3–4 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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2 tsp chipotle powder
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2 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp cumin
Instructions
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Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and cumin.
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Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
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Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the crockpot.
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Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh orange juice to the crockpot.
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Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred the meat using two forks.
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Serve the shredded carnitas in tacos, burritos, or bowls with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For added flavor, broil the shredded pork on a baking sheet for 5–10 minutes to achieve crispy edges.
Adjust the seasoning quantities based on your taste preferences.
Leftover carnitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: carnitas, slow cooker, pork, Mexican, tacos, burritos