Carnitas Crockpot Family Favorite
If you’re looking for a delicious and effortless meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this hearty crockpot carnitas recipe! With tender, juicy pork and a blend of authentic spices, you’ll have a family favorite that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served with rice and beans. Let’s dive into the details of this fantastic recipe.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 orange, juiced (about 1/2 cup of juice)
- 1 lime, juiced (about 1/4 cup of juice)
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional for heat)
- Tortillas, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut it into large chunks for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chunks on all sides until browned, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds great flavor.
- Transfer the browned pork to the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour the orange and lime juice over the pork and add the sliced jalapeños, if using. This will create a flavorful cooking liquid.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the crockpot and stir it into the juices to soak up all the flavor.
- For extra crispy carnitas, spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Serve the carnitas warm with tortillas, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious family feast!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Carnitas
To elevate your carnitas dish:
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the spices and citrus juices overnight before cooking.
- Experiment with different toppings like diced onions, avocado, or your favorite salsas.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños or using a spicier chili powder.
Serving Suggestions
Carnitas are incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving ideas:
- Tacos: Fill corn or flour tortillas with carnitas and top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Burritos: Wrap the carnitas in a large tortilla with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings for a filling meal.
- Bowls: Serve the carnitas over rice or quinoa with black beans, avocado, and salsa for a hearty bowl.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze the carnitas for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This carnitas crockpot recipe is not only simple and satisfying but also packed with flavor that will have your family raving. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, it’s bound to become a staple in your home. Enjoy the deliciousness with your loved ones!
