Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Browning the pork first is essential so dont skip this step. Pork shoulder is very inexpensive and you can make a few meals out of this. Be sure to buy the boneless pork shoulder blade roast, as it is leaner than the pork shoulder picnic. The prep for this is about 15 minutes the night before. Get it ready and refrigerate it so you simply take it out and plug it in when you get up. Serve this with tortillas, use in burritos, or simply have this with cilantro lime rice. You can make your own Chipotles burrito bowl with lettuce, sour cream, corn salsa, guacamole, or whatever else you usually put in yours!
Browning the pork first is essential so dont skip this step. Pork shoulder is very inexpensive and you can make a few meals out of this. Be sure to buy the boneless pork shoulder blade roast, as it is leaner than the pork shoulder picnic. The prep for this is about 15 minutes the night before. Get it ready and refrigerate it so you simply take it out and plug it in when you get up. Serve this with tortillas, use in burritos, or simply have this with cilantro lime rice. You can make your own Chipotles burrito bowl with lettuce, sour cream, corn salsa, guacamole, or whatever else you usually put in yours!
- Carbohydrate 0.15493203125 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.016561796875 g
- Fiber 0.0459679674208164 g
- Protein 0.022474453125 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0037372265625 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (146g)
- Sodium 0.07465625 mg
- Sugar 0.108964063829184 g
- Trans Fat 0.00389684375 g
- Calories 1 calories
Step-by-step
- Season pork with salt and pepper.
- In a medium saute pan on medium-high heat, brown pork on all sides for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Using a sharp knife, insert blade into pork, cutting small holes and insert garlic slivers.
- Season pork generously with cumin, adobo and garlic powder all over.
- Pour chicken broth in the crock pot, add bay leaves and chipotle peppers.
- Place pork in crock pot and cover.
- Cook low for 8 hours.
- After 8 hours, shred pork using two forks and combine well with the juices that accumulated at the bottom.
- Remove bay leaves and adjust salt and cumin (you will probably need to add more).
- Let it cook another 15-30 minutes.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, sometimes the easiest option seems to be grabbing takeout or resorting to quick, less-than-nutritious meals. But I refuse to let the demands of my daily life compromise my family's health and happiness. That’s why I’ve become a master of the slow cooker, and this recipe for Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas has become a true lifesaver. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and incredible versatility. The prep time is minimal – a mere 15 minutes the night before – and the slow cooker does all the hard work while I'm busy conquering the rest of my day.
The aroma that fills the house as the pork simmers is intoxicating; a blend of smoky chipotle peppers, savory cumin, and tender pork. It's the perfect comfort food, and it’s far healthier than many takeout options. I love that I can control the ingredients, ensuring that my family is eating a meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with flavor and relatively lean protein. The versatility is another huge bonus. One day it might be served in warm tortillas with all the fixings – a vibrant fiesta on a plate! The next, it transforms into delicious burritos for lunch the following day. Or it's simply a flavorful addition to cilantro-lime rice. I’ve even been known to use it to create my own Chipotle-inspired burrito bowls, loaded with lettuce, sour cream, corn salsa, guacamole, and all my favorite toppings. It’s so adaptable that it’s never boring.
Beyond the Recipe: The real magic here is the time it saves me. Preparing the pork the night before is a game changer. It's like having a little bit of future-me helping out present-me. I wake up, transfer the seasoned pork into my slow cooker, and let it work its magic while I attend to the morning rush. By the time we’re ready for dinner, a hearty and satisfying meal is waiting, ready to bring a smile to everyone's face. This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about reclaiming precious time in a hectic schedule, showing my family I care, and creating delicious memories around the dinner table. This recipe has become a symbol of balance in my life, a testament to the idea that healthy, delicious, and convenient cooking isn’t an oxymoron – it's achievable. The key is embracing efficient techniques and appreciating the small victories, like the perfect slow-cooked pulled pork on a busy weeknight.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the pork overnight for even deeper flavor penetration.
- Spice it up: Add more chipotle peppers for a spicier kick.
- Make it a meal prep staple: Double the recipe and freeze portions for future meals.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different salsas, cheeses, and vegetables to customize your carnitas bowls or burritos.
This Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas recipe isn't just a recipe; it’s a time-saving, flavor-packed solution for busy lives. It’s a testament to the idea that healthy and delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and a slow cooker, you can create wonderful memories around the dinner table, even when juggling the demands of daily life.
