Slow Cooker Carnitas
Try this Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- pepper
- garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- pico de gallo
- avocado
- salt
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ingredients
- 1
- 1/2
- 2
- 1/4
- cup
- cumin
- smoked paprika
- chili powder
- serve with
- dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- onion powder
- soy sauce
- tablespoons
- teaspoon
- pounds
- guacamole
- white vinegar
- freshly squeezed orange juice
- freshly squeezed lemon
- freshly squeezed lime juice
- ingredients2 pounds boneless pork shoulder fat tri
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder fat trimmed as best as poss
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder fat trimmed as best as poss
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder fat trimmed as best as poss
- boneless pork shoulder
- fat trimmed as best as possible
- 1/2 teaspoon salt more to less to taste (i use about 1 teaspoon
- more to less to taste (i use about 1 teaspoon)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice about 1/2 orange
- about 1/2 orange
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 lime
- about 1 lime
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon about 1 lemon
- about 1 lemon
- serve withpineapple salsa pico de gallo guacamole
- pineapple salsa pico de gallo guacamole avocado co
- pineapple salsa
- pineapple salsa
- cotija
- cotija
- corn/flour tortillas
- corn/flour tortillas
- Carbohydrate 206.899820523737 g
- Cholesterol 976.284 mg
- Fat 937.059354542254 g
- Fiber 51.4165329442624 g
- Protein 179.239731766083 g
- Saturated Fat 226.432939162675 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (7206g)
- Sodium 7735.42847763021 mg
- Sugar 155.483287579474 g
- Trans Fat 52.8293142804074 g
- Calories 9676 calories
Step-by-step
- Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder (fat trimmed as best as possible), 1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste), 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1/2 orange), 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime), 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons white vinegar.
- Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, pepper, smoked paprika, and white vinegar.
- Pour the mixture over the pork shoulder.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the pork with two forks.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as pineapple salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, cotija cheese, and corn or flour tortillas.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Slow Cooker Carnitas
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a monumental task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the household running smoothly, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes, and this Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe has become a real lifesaver. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and results in a succulent and flavorful meal that the whole family loves. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work!
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You simply toss the pork shoulder with a vibrant blend of spices and citrus juices, pop it in the slow cooker, and let it simmer for hours. The slow cooking process tenderizes the pork to perfection, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful carnitas that practically melt in your mouth. I usually start the carnitas in the morning before I head to work, and by the time I get home, the house is filled with the most amazing aroma, and dinner is practically ready. This eliminates the stress of cooking after a long day, allowing me to spend quality time with my family without feeling overwhelmed by kitchen duties.
The possibilities for serving are endless! I often serve my carnitas in warm tortillas with a variety of toppings – think vibrant pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, tangy pineapple salsa, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a salty kick. My kids especially love it when I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of their favorite hot sauce. Sometimes, I'll even use the carnitas as a filling for tacos or burrito bowls, creating a truly versatile meal that caters to everyone's preferences. It's the perfect option for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun family gathering, or even a potluck.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this recipe also boasts a surprising level of nutritional value. The lean pork shoulder provides a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, while the abundance of fresh herbs and citrus fruits adds a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Of course, we can’t forget the nutritional benefits of the delicious toppings: the fiber in the avocado and the antioxidants in the salsa contribute to a well-rounded meal. I always feel good about serving this dish to my family knowing that it’s both satisfying and healthy.
What truly sets this recipe apart, however, is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavors to create your own unique twist. Adding a touch of chipotle powder will impart a smoky heat, while a sprinkle of cumin will deepen the earthy notes. Don’t be afraid to get creative! The best part of cooking is the ability to express your creativity and personalize a dish to your tastes and preferences. Every time I make this, it is different and always delightful. You will always find something new to experiment with.
For a busy professional like myself, time is of the essence. But that doesn't mean I have to compromise on quality or flavor. This slow cooker carnitas recipe is my testament to that. It's a dish that proves that delicious, healthy, and convenient meals can exist in perfect harmony, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity and satisfaction of slow-cooked perfection. You won't regret it.
I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It's guaranteed to become a new family favorite, and I’m confident that it will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation, just as it has become in mine. Happy cooking!
