Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Introduction

Welcome to our slow cooker pork carnitas recipe! If you're looking for a delicious and easy dish to make in your slow cooker, then you've come to the right place. Pork carnitas are a classic Mexican dish that is typically made with pork shoulder and seasoned with delicious spices. The slow cooker method makes this dish incredibly tender and flavorful, perfect for serving as a filling for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for salads or rice bowls.

Ingredients

Before we get started, let's gather all the ingredients we'll need for our slow cooker pork carnitas:

• 3-4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Now, let's move on to the cooking process. Follow these steps to make the perfect slow cooker pork carnitas:

1. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chunks, coating them evenly.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chunks on all sides until they are golden brown and caramelized.

3. Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced jalapeño on top of the pork.

4. Pour the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth over the pork.

5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Place the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are crispy.

6. Serve the slow cooker pork carnitas on warm tortillas, with your favorite toppings such as diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!

Variations

If you're looking to switch things up, here are a few variations you can try with your slow cooker pork carnitas:

• Use beef or chicken instead of pork for a different flavor profile.
• Add diced pineapple or mango to the slow cooker for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Experiment with different spice blends such as chipotle, smoked paprika, or cayenne for a spicier kick.

Conclusion

There you have it, a delicious slow cooker pork carnitas recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, or simply looking for a comforting and flavorful meal to enjoy at home, this dish is sure to impress. The best part is, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender and juicy pork that is full of flavor. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!