Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making crispy slow cooker carnitas! There’s something magical about coming home after a long day and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of seasoned pork. I often whip this up for gatherings, and trust me, it never fails to impress! The meat turns out so tender and flavorful, and when you crisp it up just right under the broiler, it’s like a party in your mouth! These carnitas are so versatile too; whether you’re stuffing them into warm tortillas for tacos, piling them into burritos, or serving them with a fresh salad, they steal the show every time. It’s honestly one of my go-to recipes that brings everyone together, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients for Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most flavorful crispy slow cooker carnitas! Make sure to measure everything out before you start for a smooth cooking experience.
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 bay leaves
These ingredients come together to create a beautifully seasoned, tender meat that you’ll love! Make sure your pork shoulder is nicely marbled for that juicy texture. Trust me, the combination of the citrus juices and spices is what really brings these carnitas to life!
How to Prepare Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Getting the hang of making crispy slow cooker carnitas is super easy! Let’s break it down step by step, so you can nail that flavor and texture every time.
Seasoning the Pork
First things first, seasoning is key! Start by generously rubbing your pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. I like to really get in there with my hands to ensure each inch of the meat is covered evenly. This makes such a difference in flavor, trust me! You want every bite to be bursting with deliciousness.
Cooking in the Slow Cooker
Now, it’s time for the magic! Place your seasoned pork in the slow cooker and scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic all around it. Then, pour in the fresh orange juice and lime juice, and toss in those bay leaves. The citrus really brightens everything up! Set your slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for about 8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is fork-tender and falling apart beautifully.
Shredding and Crisping the Pork
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. This is where the fun begins! Use two forks to shred the meat into luscious pieces. Then, spread the shredded pork out on a baking sheet. Here comes the crispy part: pop it under the broiler for about 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. You want it to get a nice golden brown and crispy on the edges. Oh boy, that texture is going to be incredible!
Tips for Success
Want to make your crispy slow cooker carnitas absolutely perfect? Here are some of my top tips! First, don’t skimp on the seasoning—be generous with the salt, pepper, and spices; they really elevate the flavor. If you can, let the seasoned pork sit for a bit before cooking to absorb those spices even more. When it comes to cooking time, I highly recommend sticking to low heat for the full 8 hours; this ensures the meat becomes fall-apart tender.
Now, about that broiling—be attentive! Every broiler is different, so check on your pork frequently to avoid burning. Aim for a nice, crispy edge without losing that juicy interior. And remember, the leftover juices from the slow cooker make a fantastic sauce to drizzle over your tacos. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to crispy slow cooker carnitas, you can indulge without guilt! Each serving (which is about 1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
These values are estimates based on the specific ingredients I used, so yours might vary a bit. But isn’t it nice to know you’re serving up something hearty and satisfying? Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—just season and let the slow cooker do the work!
- Flavorful and tender meat that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile for tacos, burritos, or even served over rice.
- Gluten-free option, making it perfect for everyone at the table!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your crispy slow cooker carnitas, the possibilities are endless! I love to serve them in warm, soft tortillas—flour or corn, it’s totally up to you. Top them off with fresh pico de gallo, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro for that extra zing. You can’t go wrong with a squeeze of lime juice either; it really brightens everything up!
If you want to add a little crunch, try serving them with a side of tangy slaw or crispy radishes. For those who love some heat, a dollop of spicy salsa or jalapeños will do the trick. And don’t forget about sides! A bowl of black beans or Mexican rice pairs beautifully, making for a hearty meal. Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about it long after the plates are cleared!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! While I love using pork shoulder for its flavor and tenderness, you can also use pork loin or even chicken if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, feel free to use pineapple juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water. It will still add a nice tangy flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you pop it in!
Can I freeze the carnitas?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop!
What’s the best way to reheat the carnitas?
The microwave works in a pinch, but I recommend reheating them on the stovetop for the best texture. Just add a little bit of broth or water to keep them moist while they warm up!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious crispy slow cooker carnitas is super simple! Just let the leftovers cool down to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve got a big batch and want to save some for later, you can also freeze them! Simply pack the cooled carnitas into a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They’ll be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results. To reheat, I suggest using the stovetop to keep that juicy texture intact. Just add a splash of broth or water to the pan, and warm them over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Print
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas: 5 Flavorful Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy slow cooker carnitas for flavorful tacos.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Season the pork with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
- Place the pork in the slow cooker with onion and garlic.
- Add orange juice, lime juice, and bay leaves.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until tender.
- Remove pork and shred with forks.
- Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet.
- Broil for 5-10 minutes for a crispy texture.
Notes
- Serve with tortillas and toppings of your choice.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crispy slow cooker carnitas
