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Tender Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe with Crispy Edges Easy and Perfect

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This tender slow cooker pork carnitas recipe delivers juicy, flavorful pork with irresistible crispy edges, perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads. Slow-cooked for 8 hours and finished with a crisp-up step, it’s a comforting and easy meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard (for crisping the shredded pork)
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for heat or smoky twist

Instructions

  1. Trim any thick layers of fat off the pork shoulder, but keep some fat for moisture. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in minced garlic, orange juice, and lime juice to make the marinade.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, coating thoroughly. Optionally marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
  4. Place sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the seasoned pork on top and tuck in bay leaves around the meat. Pour any remaining marinade over the pork.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  6. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding large fat chunks and bay leaves.
  7. Heat vegetable oil or lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shredded pork in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until edges caramelize and crisp. Flip and crisp the other side. Alternatively, broil pork on a rimmed baking sheet for 4-6 minutes until crispy.
  8. Serve warm with tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa or guacamole.

Notes

Do not skip the crisping step for best texture and flavor. Use fresh citrus juices for optimal brightness. Pat meat dry before seasoning to help spices stick. Leftovers reheat well and crisp up again in a skillet. For a leaner option, use pork tenderloin but expect less juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork carnitas, slow cooker carnitas, crispy pork, easy pork recipe, Mexican pork, taco recipe, pulled pork, carnitas recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/tender-slow-cooker-pork-carnitas-recipe-with-crispy-edges-easy-and-perfect/