Paleo Easy Crock Pot Carnitas
Try this Paleo Easy Crock Pot Carnitas recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Paleo Easy Crock Pot Carnitas recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 5 cloves garlic
- 12 ounces beer
- juice of 2 limes
- 4-5 lbs. pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 easpooncinnamon
- 1/2 easpooncayenne pepper
- 1/2 uporange juice
- 1/2 upsalsa (i like to use a less chunky one)
- Carbohydrate 2.6331606840863 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0659125000013228 g
- Fiber 0.159484999715114 g
- Protein 0.335557867516443 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00940765000039765 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (45g)
- Sodium 3.31507710881785 mg
- Sugar 2.47367568437118 g
- Trans Fat 0.0131163000000568 g
- Calories 20 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.
My Weeknight Savior: Paleo Crock Pot Carnitas
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner preparation often feels like a race against the clock, a whirlwind of chopping, stirring, and cleaning. So when I discovered the magic of crock pot cooking, my life (and my family's dinner table) was transformed. This Paleo Easy Crock Pot Carnitas recipe has become an absolute staple in our household, a delicious and convenient solution for those hectic weeknights.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep work required, I can toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to the most tender, flavorful pork. The slow cooking process breaks down the pork shoulder beautifully, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth carnitas. I love the versatility of this dish; it’s perfect for tacos, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own. The subtle spice from the chili powder and cumin blends perfectly with the tangy lime and orange juice, creating a complex flavor profile that both my husband and kids adore.
I often adapt this recipe based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add a touch of chipotle for a smoky kick, other times I experiment with different types of salsa. The great thing is, it’s almost impossible to mess it up! The slow cooker does most of the work, ensuring that the pork is perfectly cooked every single time. No more worrying about dry, overcooked meat – just tender, flavorful perfection.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe fits perfectly with my commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Following a Paleo diet helps me maintain energy levels throughout the day and keeps me feeling my best. This carnitas recipe embraces that philosophy, using wholesome ingredients and eliminating processed sugars and grains. The result? A guilt-free meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
The leftover carnitas are just as fantastic the next day. I often use them to create quick and easy lunches for my kids’ school lunches. A simple salad with the carnitas added provides a wholesome and protein-packed meal. I also like to use the leftovers in breakfast burritos, adding a scrambled egg for an extra boost of protein. The possibilities are endless!
Crock pot meals are my secret weapon for busy weeknights. They've helped me strike a balance between nutritious home-cooked meals and the demands of work and family life. This Paleo Easy Crock Pot Carnitas recipe is a true testament to that balance – a delicious, healthy, and incredibly convenient meal that's become a cornerstone of my family’s dinner routine. It’s a recipe I wholeheartedly recommend to any busy mom, working professional, or anyone looking for a simple yet flavorful meal that's both satisfying and good for you.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, I highly encourage you to try this Paleo Easy Crock Pot Carnitas recipe. You won't be disappointed! The tender, flavorful pork is sure to become a family favorite, and the ease of preparation will leave you with more time to spend on the things that truly matter.
I often serve this with a simple side salad, but you could also serve it with roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, or even a side of quinoa or brown rice if you are not strictly adhering to a paleo diet. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different spices and add-ins to personalize the dish to your own taste preferences.
Remember to adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker and the size of your pork shoulder. Always check the internal temperature of the pork to ensure it reaches a safe temperature before serving. Once you've mastered this recipe, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals even on the busiest of days. So ditch the takeout menus and embrace the ease and deliciousness of crock pot cooking! You won't regret it.
