Carnitas Crockpot Weeknight Meal
This carnitas crockpot recipe is a game changer for your weeknight dinners! With its rich flavors and tender meat, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious meal with minimal effort. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or even served over rice, this dish is versatile and satisfying. Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 hours on low
Total Time
8 hours 10 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional for heat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortillas (for serving)
- Optional toppings: diced onions, avocado, salsa
Instructions
- Begin by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned. This step adds a depth of flavor to your carnitas.
- Transfer the seared pork shoulder to the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, orange juice, lime juice, and jalapeños (if using) into the crockpot with the pork.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. You can discard any excess fat.
- Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and stir to combine with the juices.
- For a crispy finish, preheat your oven’s broiler. Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Serve the carnitas in warm tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, and your choice of salsa.
- Enjoy your flavorful and easy weeknight meal!
Tips for Perfect Carnitas
1. Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder is ideal for carnitas due to its high-fat content, which keeps the meat moist during cooking.
2. Don’t skip the searing: Searing the meat before slow cooking enhances the flavor significantly.
3. Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste. Add more chili powder for heat or extra lime for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Carnitas are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Tacos: Fill corn or flour tortillas with carnitas and top with your favorite toppings.
- Burritos: Wrap the carnitas with rice, beans, and cheese in a large tortilla.
- Salads: Use carnitas as a protein on a fresh salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette.
- Nachos: Layer carnitas over tortilla chips with cheese and jalapeños for a delicious snack.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded pork for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Conclusion
This carnitas crockpot weeknight meal is a must-try for busy families or anyone looking for an easy yet delicious dish. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with flavorful, tender pork that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite recipe in your rotation!
