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Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Tender pork shoulder slow cooked with citrus and spices, then crisped for classic, flavorful carnitas.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lbs pork shoulder cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orange juice fresh
  • 2 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Season pork with spices and place in slow cooker with onion and garlic.
  2. Add orange juice, lime juice, and bay leaves.
  3. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until tender.
  4. Shred pork and discard bay leaves.
  5. Crisp shredded pork in a hot skillet until golden.

Notes

For best texture, crisp pork in batches and avoid overcrowding.