Crockpot Carnitas Authentic Mexican Pulled Pork

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some proper Mexican grub without the hassle? Ever wondered if you could get that authentic Mexican carnitas recipe flavor without standing over a stove for hours? Well, you're in for a treat! This carnitas recipe crock pot version is about to become your new best friend.

We're talking tender, juicy pulled pork tacos filling with that addictive crispy texture.

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn't love carnitas? Imagine coming home to the smell of slow cooked, citrusy pork. This carnitas recipe crock pot is seriously a game changer.

It delivers that classic flavour with minimal effort. Think crispy edges, tender insides, and a flavour punch.

Brief Overview

Carnitas, meaning "little meats," originates from Michoacán, Mexico. It's traditionally cooked in a copper pot, but our slow cooker carnitas twist makes it super easy.

This recipe is beginner friendly, taking about 20 minutes to prep and 6- 8 hours in the slow cooker. You'll end up with enough Mexican pulled pork crock pot filling for 6-8 hungry people.

Main Benefits

This recipe is all about convenience and flavor. Slow cooking makes the pork incredibly tender. Using a slow cooker pork shoulder carnitas cut ensures that melt-in-your mouth goodness.

Plus, pork is a great source of protein. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or a fun taco night with mates.

What makes this easy carnitas recipe slow cooker so special is that it keeps things simple without sacrificing that authentic Mexican flavour.

That lovely crust!

Now, fancy knowing what you will need to whip up this culinary masterpiece?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this carnitas recipe crock pot adventure! Honestly, it's easier than you think. We are making slow cooker carnitas to impress, so lets get started.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Right, first things first, let's talk pork. You'll want about 3-4 lbs (1.35-1.8 kg) of pork shoulder, also known as Boston Butt.

Don't be shy about trimming some of the fat, but leave a bit for flavour! You'll also need 1 large orange, 1 lime, 1 yellow onion, and 4 cloves of garlic.

For the liquid, grab 1 cup (240 ml) of chicken broth. Water will do in a pinch, but the broth adds a bit more depth.

Oh, and don't forget 2 bay leaves. Quality pork shoulder is key. Look for good marbling and a nice pink color.

That ensures flavour and tenderness.

Seasoning Notes

Now, for the magic dust! We're going with 1 tbsp of kosher salt, 1 tsp of black pepper, 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp of chili powder.

For a bit of warmth, add 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon. Trust me on this one!

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika can add a lovely smoky flavour. Don't have oregano? Marjoram will work just fine.

These spices are what make authentic Mexican carnitas recipe special. They transform the pork.

Equipment Needed

Okay, you'll need a 6-quart slow cooker (crock pot) . That's a must. A large skillet or sheet pan is also needed for crisping.

Tongs or a slotted spoon are essential for wrangling the pork. And two forks for shredding (or meat claws if you're feeling fancy!).

A citrus juicer is handy but not essential. You can squeeze the orange and lime by hand. Don't have a skillet? An oven safe pan will do.

A big spoon also is useful to take out the pork out of the crock pot for your crockpot carnitas recipes .

Honestly, this easy carnitas recipe slow cooker method is proper simple. You'll have amazing pulled pork tacos in no time.

Don’t forget the important part of making crispy carnitas slow cooker . It's what makes all the difference.

See! Even you can make a slow cooker pork shoulder carnitas right at home! Even Gordon Ramsay would be impressed!. Get ready to make some banging Mexican pulled pork crock pot .

Alright, let's talk carnitas recipe crock pot style! We're going to make some authentic Mexican carnitas right in your slow cooker.

Honestly, it's so easy, it practically cooks itself. Get ready for some seriously tasty pulled pork tacos !

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Magic

Forget standing over a hot stove all day. The beauty of this easy carnitas recipe slow cooker is its simplicity.

Slow cooking brings out all the flavors. It also makes the pork super tender.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!

First things first, let's get organized. Roughly chop 3-4 lbs of pork shoulder into chunks. Then trim that excess fat, you know? Next, quarter 1 large orange and 1 lime.

Quarter one yellow onion. Mince 4 cloves of garlic. This is your essential mise en place! Having everything ready to go saves time and avoids kitchen chaos.

Always be mindful of knife safety. No one wants a trip to A&E!

step-by-step Process: Easy Peasy

1. Season the pork with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Layer the onion and garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Add the pork, oranges, and limes. Toss in 2 bay leaves.
4. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth.
5. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours . Pork should shred easily.
6. Shred the pork, discarding citrus and bay leaves.
7. CRISP the pork in a skillet or under the broiler. (More on that in a sec!)

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Carnitas

Don't skip the crisping! This is what makes slow cooker carnitas truly special. Get that pork carnitas slow cooker nice and crispy.

Fry it with a touch of reserved pork fat or veg oil. Trust me. It's game changing. Common mistake to avoid? Overcrowding the pan when crisping.

Brown the pork in batches for maximum crispiness. Looking for a super crispy carnitas slow cooker recipe. You've found it!

So there you have it: a cracking carnitas recipe . Get ready to enjoy some Mexican pulled pork crock pot style. Now go get your chef on!

Right, let's talk shop about this absolutely banging carnitas recipe crock pot we've conjured up. Because, let's be honest, the best recipes are the ones that are both delicious and foolproof, innit? So, let's dive into some handy dandy notes to make your life easier, yeah?

Recipe Rundown: The Nitty Gritty

Serving It Up: Plating & Pals

Honestly, presentation is key. Think about it: this isn't just pulled pork tacos ; it's an experience. Load up warm tortillas with the crispy carnitas slow cooker , then pile on fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a dollop of guacamole.

Fancy a drink? Ice-cold Mexican Coke or a lime-y margarita are brilliant pairings. Mexican rice or elote is a right proper sides too.

Keeping It Fresh: Storage Solutions

Right, got leftovers? No worries! For refrigeration, bung the Authentic Mexican Carnitas Recipe in an airtight container. It will be good for up to 3-4 days.

Now, freezing is also an option. Divide into portions and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat in a skillet or microwave.

I actually like to re-crisp them in a hot pan with a bit of oil - chef's kiss!

Twists & Turns: Variations on a Theme

Want to spice things up? Add a diced jalapeño to the Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Carnitas for a bit of a kick, or for a smoky undertone? Swap a teaspoon of the chili powder for some smoked paprika.

For my health conscious mates, feel free to use leaner pork. But, honestly, a bit of fat is where all the flavour lives. So, that is why I don't do it.

Grub's Up: Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, quick and dirty nutrition breakdown: Each serving of this carnitas recipe will hit you with an estimated 450-550 calories (depending on the pork and portion size).

You're also looking at a whopping 40-50g of protein, which is brilliant for muscle building, you know? Plus, pork is a good source of iron and B vitamins, which are essential for energy.

So there you have it! With these notes, you're all set to create a carnitas recipe crock pot masterpiece. Seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Happy cooking, you magnificent human!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this carnitas recipe crock pot ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the carnitas a day or two in advance can actually improve the flavor. Simply shred the pork after slow cooking, store it in the fridge in an airtight container with some of the cooking juices, and then crisp it up just before serving.

It's like a culinary time machine, giving you a delicious head start!

How do I get the carnitas crispy after cooking them in the crock pot?

Crispy carnitas are the name of the game! After shredding the pork, the best way to achieve that delightful crisp is by searing it in a hot skillet with a bit of reserved pork fat or vegetable oil. Alternatively, you can spread it on a sheet pan and broil it in the oven, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

This step is crucial and turns ordinary pulled pork into proper carnitas, mate!

What's the best cut of pork to use for this carnitas recipe crock pot method?

Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, is the undisputed champion for making carnitas. Its high fat content renders beautifully during the slow cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork. Don't be tempted to use leaner cuts; the fat is what makes carnitas so juicy and delicious.

Think of it as an investment in flavour!

Can I freeze leftover crock pot carnitas?

You bet your bottom dollar you can! Allow the cooked and shredded carnitas to cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They'll keep well for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or oven until warmed through and crispy. Just like brand new!

What if I don't have all the spices listed in the carnitas recipe crock pot?

Don't fret if your spice rack is a bit bare! While the combination of spices in the recipe adds depth of flavour, you can certainly make substitutions. Cumin and chili powder are the most important, but if you're missing oregano, a pinch of Italian seasoning will do in a pinch.

The orange and lime are key for brightness, so try to keep those if you can!

Are there any variations to this carnitas recipe crock pot I can try?

Crikey, yes! Feel free to experiment. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the slow cooker. A dash of smoked paprika can give it a lovely smoky flavour. You could even experiment with different citrus fruits, like grapefruit, for a unique twist.

Get creative and make it your own like your signature cuppa, make it just the way you like it!