Go Back
–+ servings
An overhead image of a white plate of tacos with pork carnitas on a marble counter. Next to the plate is charred tortillas, a jar of pink onions, a glass of beer, and a wood board with cilantro.
No ratings yet

Slow Cooked Carnitas

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
These slow cooker pork carnitas are one of my go-to dinners! The pork cooks all day in the slow cooker and then it is broiled in the oven to get nice and crispy. They are great in tacos, enchiladas, and burrito bowls, and the leftovers are delicious in soup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lb pork loin (or tenderloin)
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 onion, peeled and quartered
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Tortillas, pickled onions, queso, avocado, cilantro, etc., for serving

Instructions 

  • *Optional*: Cut pork loin into 4 chunks. Heat the oil in a large pan until shimmery. Sear all four pieces of pork until each side is nicely browned. Do not cook all the way through.
  • Place seared (or raw) pork in a slow cooker with the garlic and onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk together the cumin, chili powder, oregano, chicken broth, lime juice, and orange juice. Pour the mixture over the pork. Cover, and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10.
  • Preheat the broiler on your oven. Remove the pork from the slow cooker, and shred with two forks (it should be very easy). Discard the onions and garlic, but reserve the liquid. Place the pork on a foil-lined baking sheet. Pour about 1/4 c. of the leftover liquid over the pork, and broil for 5-15 minutes, until crispy. Every 5 minutes, add another 1/4 c. of liquid and toss to ensure even crisping. Serve as desired!
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Main Course
Author: Sara Lynn Hunt Broka
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 440kcal, Carbohydrates: 7.9g, Protein: 42.5g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 8.4g, Cholesterol: 121mg, Sodium: 164mg, Potassium: 775mg, Fiber: 1.9g, Sugar: 3.8g, Calcium: 63mg, Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @sundaytable.co on Instagram!