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Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Make easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas! This simple recipe yields tender, flavorful shredded pork infused with orange and spices

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano (dried)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving/Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Tortillas or rice, for serving

These simple quantities create flavorful, tender shredded pork.

Have onion quartered and garlic minced before starting

Instructions

Let’s walk through this incredibly easy “dump and go” process:

1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:

  • Place the large chunks of pork shoulder into the insert of your slow cooker.
  • Add the quartered onion and minced garlic around and on top of the pork.
  • Pour the orange juice over the pork and vegetables.
  • Sprinkle the cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients.

2. Stir Gently (Optional):

  • Give the ingredients a gentle stir just to slightly distribute the spices and aromatics.

3. Cook:

  • Cover the slow cooker securely with the lid.
  • Cook on the LOW heat setting for 8-10 hours OR on the HIGH heat setting for 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it is exceptionally tender and falls apart easily when prodded with a fork.

4. Shred the Pork:

  • Once cooked, carefully remove the large chunks of pork from the slow cooker and place them on a large plate or cutting board (discard the cooked onion quarters if desired, they’ve imparted their flavor).
  • Using two forks, shred the tender pork by pulling it apart.  

5. Return Pork to Juices:

  • Return the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and stir it well to combine with the flavorful cooking juices. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb more flavor.

6. Serve:

  • Serve the hot Slow Cooker Carnitas using tongs or a slotted spoon (to drain some excess liquid if desired). Serve in warm tortillas or over cooked rice.
  • Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Effortless pulled pork ready for delicious meals