15 How To Make Pork Carnitas In A Slow Cooker

What should I make for dinner tonight? This might just be the number one question that we ask ourselves almost daily over here.

Then you have come to the right place, we have rounded up 15 how to make pork carnitas in a slow cooker that we have shared over the years.

Plus, there is such a variety of flavours in these recipes, so you are sure to find something for you. Most of these recipes are quick and easy ones made especially for busy weeknights.

15 How To Make Pork Carnitas In A Slow Cooker

Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

6 hr 15 min

Lb pork shoulder, orange, jalapeno, olive oil, garlic

5.0842

RecipeTin Eats

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

6 hr 10 min

Boneless pork roast, adobo sauce, garlic, chili powder, chicken stock

4.982

Gimme Some Oven

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

8 hr 40 min

Pound pork shoulder, oranges, garlic, chili powder, black pepper

5.063

Damn Delicious

Slow Cooker Carnitas

10 hr 10 min

Boneless pork shoulder, chicken broth, cinnamon, garlic powder, bay leaves

4.62K

Allrecipes

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

5 hr 10 min

Pork shoulder roast, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chili powder

5.02

The Recipe Critic

Slow Cooker Carnitas

5 hr 16 min

Boston butt, brown rice, orange juice, queso fresco, lime juice

5.01

Well Plated by Erin

Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas

5 hr 15 min

Boneless pork shoulder, orange juice, corn tortillas, chicken broth, red pepper flakes

4.6100

Food Network

Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas

10 hr 10 min

Pound pork roast, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, black pepper

4.813

Barefeet In The Kitchen

Easy Crockpot Carnitas

8 hr 10 min

Pork shoulder, beer, orange juice, chipotle hot sauce, cinnamon

4.9137

Pinch of Yum

Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)

8 hr 40 min

Pork shoulder blade, chicken broth, adobo sauce, sazon, adobo seasoning

4.950

Skinnytaste

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos

4 hr 20 min

Pork shoulder, coconut oil, oranges, garlic, bay leaves

4.417

My Latina Table

Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas Tacos

6 hr 5 min

Pork shoulder roast, jalapeno, oranges, garlic, chipotle powder

5.014

House of Yumm

Carnitas

5 hr 10 min

Pork shoulder, oranges, garlic, chili powder, black pepper

5.020

Tastes Better From Scratch

Carnitas (Slow Cooker Recipe)

6 hr 15 min

Pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chili powder

5.01

Kristine’s Kitchen

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

8 hr 10 min

Boneless pork shoulder, chicken broth, flour tortillas, salsa, green chiles

5.06

Creme de la Crumb

12 Related Question Answers About How To Make Pork Carnitas In A Slow Cooker

How long do you slow cook carnitas?

Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Remove pork shoulder from the slow cooker and shred the meat before returning to the pot with the juices; season with salt and pepper, to taste, if needed. Cover and keep warm for an additional 30 minutes.

Can you put raw pork in a slow cooker?

You can place raw pork directly into the slow cooker, but for a deeper, richer flavor without much added fat, first brown all sides of the cut briefly in heated olive oil.

Can you overcook carnitas in slow cooker?

Yes, you can overcook carnitas in a crockpot. If you planned on cooking meat for a really long time, like 18+ hours, you would likely end up with overcooked meat that separated into really fine strands. I prefer cooking these on LOW so that the timeframe where they’re cooked is more forgiving.

Do you put liquid in slow cooker for pulled pork?

Does pulled pork in the slow cooker need liquid? No. When making pulled pork in the slow cooker I add a small amount of extra liquid for flavor but it’s not a necessity. Because there is a good amount of fat and water in pork shoulder roasts you don’t have to add extra liquid when making pulled pork.

What can I substitute for orange juice in carnitas?

Citric acid

Orange juice is also in recipes for carnitas. The flavor of orange is barely detectable in the final dish so you can use citric acid effectively as a replacement.

What goes with pork carnitas?

Here are eight amazing side dishes that will go great with pork carnitas.

• 1 – Refried Beans.
• 2 – Mexican Street Corn.
• 3 – Mexican Rice.
• 4 – Mexican Quinoa Salad.
• 5 – Mexican Guacamole.
• 6 – Mexican Cornbread.
• 7 – Pico de Gallo.
• 8 – Chopped Mexican Salad.

Should I brown my pork before slow cooking?

Before you pop your pork in the slow cooker, consider searing it first. Searing a roast before cooking has several benefits. Some say the meat is more flavorful if it’s seared beforehand—and science supports this theory.

How long does it take to cook pork in the slow cooker?

Season the pork with salt and pepper then heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium to high heat. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides then transfer to a slow cooker. Add all the other ingredients, then cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat pulls apart when pressed with two forks.

Do you have to brown meat before putting in slow cooker?

You should always brown ground beef or any ground meat in a skillet before adding it to your slow cooker to prevent the meat from clumping up or from adding excess grease to your cooked dish.

What kind of onions do you use for carnitas?

The pork is stuffed in charred tortillas, and then topped with quick pickled red onions, thinly sliced radish for crunch, queso fresco cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime! They’re perfect for meal prep and great to feed a crowd too!

What temperature do you cook carnitas?

The USDA’s recommended minimum temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C), but the connective tissue needs to be heated to at least 160-170°F (71-77°C) to dissolve properly, and most smoked pork shoulders are pulled in the temperature range of 195-205°F (91-96°C).

What are in carnitas?

What are carnitas? Carnitas are the Mexican version of pulled pork. It’s traditionally made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) because of the higher fat content, which helps the meat stay super tender and juicy while it’s cooked.