Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Try this Easy Crockpot Carnitas recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Easy Crockpot Carnitas recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 12 ounces beer
- juice of 2 limes
- 4-5 lbs. pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup salsa (i like to use a less chunky one)
- Carbohydrate 4.0261111857295 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.107061500032923 g
- Fiber 0.243279999811087 g
- Protein 0.435760367627043 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0155419000041896 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -12 (57g)
- Sodium 3.47257710897585 mg
- Sugar 3.78283118591841 g
- Trans Fat 0.0284949500158568 g
- Calories 26 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Roughly chop the garlic and place in the slow cooker (I actually kind of rubbed it onto the meat to get as much garlic flavor as possible, but you could just toss it in, too).
- Sprinkle the meat with salt, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and cayenne.
- Rub seasonings onto the pork.
- Add lime juice, orange juice, beer, and salsa.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Shred meat with two forks directly in the slow cooker (or take out, shred, and replace in sauce). It should fall apart easily.
- Preheat broiler.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place the shredded meat on the cooking sheet and pour a few spoonfuls of sauce over the top.
- Broil for 5-10 minutes or until you get browned edges on the pork.
- Serve on tortillas with fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime juice.
Easy Crockpot Carnitas: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school runs, meetings, and endless to-do lists, whipping up something from scratch often takes a backseat. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes, and this Easy Crockpot Carnitas recipe has quickly become a staple in our home. It's unbelievably simple, requires minimal prep time, and produces incredibly tender and flavorful pork that the whole family loves.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I often adapt it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I'll swap out the beer for some chicken broth, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor. The possibilities are endless! And let's be honest, the aroma that fills the house while this is cooking is heavenly – it's like an instant mood booster after a long day. This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you've mastered something delicious, even if it's incredibly easy.
Beyond the ease of preparation, the convenience factor is unbeatable. I can throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning before heading off to work, and come home to a perfectly cooked, ready-to-shred masterpiece. The best part? Clean-up is a breeze! Just a quick wipe of the slow cooker, and I'm done. This allows me more time to spend with my family and less time scrubbing dishes.
Why this recipe works:
- Minimal prep: The recipe truly lives up to its name - minimal chopping and preparation required.
- Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work.
- Flavor explosion: The combination of spices creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your preferences and what you have in your pantry.
- Perfect for busy lifestyles: Ideal for weeknights or when you're short on time.
Serving suggestions: Serve your carnitas on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. We love adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It's also fantastic as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even nachos! The possibilities are truly endless.
This Easy Crockpot Carnitas recipe isn't just a meal; it's a shortcut to a delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor or quality. It’s a testament to the fact that incredible food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a regular in your kitchen too!
Tips and tricks:
- For extra tender carnitas, use a pork shoulder that’s on the leaner side.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavors.
- If you like a spicier carnitas, add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- For crispier carnitas, broil them for a few minutes longer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe has transformed my weeknight routine and made mealtimes a whole lot easier and more enjoyable. I hope it does the same for you!
