Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas is a flavorful dish that brings the taste of Mexico to your dining table. It's tender, juicy, and infused with a blend of spices that make it highly addictive. As it cooks slowly over a period of 8 hours, the pork roast absorbs all the beautiful flavors resulting in a savory dish that's hard to resist.
Some ingredients like Sazon and Goya dry adobo seasoning may not be commonly found in every household. Sazon is a type of flavorful seasoning salt used in Spanish and Mexican cooking, while Goya Adobo is an all-purpose seasoning that adds a hearty flavor to dishes. When you go to a supermarket, look for these spices in the international or Latin foods aisle.
Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Pork shoulder blade roast: A cut of meat that's beautifully marbled and gets increasingly tender as it cooks slowly.
Garlic cloves: Gives a deep, aromatic flavor to the pork.
Cumin: Imparts a warm, earthy flavor and aroma.
Sazon: A flavorful seasoning salt that adds a unique taste.
Dry oregano: Adds a touch of bitterness and pungency to balance the flavors.
Chicken broth: Provides the necessary liquid for slow cooking and enhances taste.
Chipotle peppers: Gives a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
Bay leaves: Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
Goya dry adobo seasoning: An all-purpose seasoning that adds a hearty flavor.
One reader, Kienan Candelaria says:
This slow cooker pork carnitas recipe is a game-changer! The pork turns out incredibly tender and flavorful, and the aroma while it cooks is mouthwatering. It's a perfect dish for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The combination of spices and slow cooking creates a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
How to brown the pork: In a medium sauté pan on medium-high heat, brown the pork on all sides for 10 minutes. This will help to develop a rich flavor and color in the pork.
How to shred the pork: After cooking, use two forks to shred the pork. Pull the meat apart, incorporating the flavorful juices, until it reaches the desired consistency for carnitas.
How To Make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
You don’t have to line up at the store for some carnitas. Remake your own Mexican pork carnitas at home with our perfectly seasoned dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½lbpork shoulder blade roast,boneless, trimmed
- 2tspkosher salt
- black pepper,to taste
- 6garlic cloves,cut into slivers
- 1½tspcumin
- ½tspsazon,homemade or packaged
- ¼tspdry oregano
- ¾cupchicken broth,reduced sodium
- 3chipotle peppers,in adobo sauce, to taste
- 2bay leaves
- ¼tspGoya Dry Adobo Seasoning,like
Instructions
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Season the pork with salt and pepper.
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In a medium sauté pan on medium-high heat, brown the pork on all sides for 10 minutes.
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Remove from heat and allow to cool.
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Using a sharp knife, insert the blade into the pork to cut small holes.
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Insert the garlic slivers all the way into the cut holes.
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Season the pork generously with cumin, adobo, sazon, and oregano.
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Pour the chicken broth in the crockpot, then add bay leaves and chipotle peppers.
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Place the pork in the slow cooker and cover.
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Cook on Low for 8 hours.
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Shred the pork using two forks, then combine well with the juices accumulated in the cooker.
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Remove the bay leaves, then add salt and cumin as needed.
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Let it cook another 15 to 30 minutes.
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Serve over soft tacos, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 171.86kcal
- Fat: 8.50g
- Saturated Fat: 3.42g
- Trans Fat: 0.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.20g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.80g
- Carbohydrates: 2.65g
- Fiber: 0.47g
- Sugar: 0.95g
- Protein: 21.49g
- Cholesterol: 70.59mg
- Sodium: 341.32mg
- Calcium: 23.39mg
- Potassium: 419.24mg
- Iron: 3.04mg
- Vitamin A: 122.42µg
- Vitamin C: 14.16mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
When shredding the pork, it's best to let it cool slightly before handling to avoid burning your fingers. However, don't let it cool completely as warm meat is easier to shred than cold. Using two forks, pull in opposite directions to create thin strands. This not only makes the meat more tender but also allows it to absorb more of the flavorful juices from the slow cooker.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pork Carnitas in a Slow Cooker
Prep ahead: Cut and season the pork the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is brown it and place it in the slow cooker.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to mince the garlic and chop the chipotle peppers for quicker prep.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra carnitas for future quick and easy meals.
Invest in a slow cooker: A good quality slow cooker can save you time and effort in the kitchen, allowing you to set it and forget it while it does the cooking for you.
Use pre-made seasoning: Save time by using pre-made seasoning blends like adobo and sazon for quick and easy flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe
pork shoulder blade roast - Substitute with beef chuck roast: Beef chuck roast has a similar texture and flavor to pork shoulder, making it a great substitute for this recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar taste and texture to kosher salt and can be used as a 1:1 replacement in this recipe.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander has a slightly citrusy and earthy flavor similar to cumin, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
sazon - Substitute with achiote paste: Achiote paste provides a similar flavor profile to sazon and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
dry oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor to oregano, making it a good substitute in this recipe.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth in this recipe, providing a similar depth of flavor.
chipotle peppers - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a smoky flavor similar to chipotle peppers in this recipe.
bay leaves - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can provide a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor to bay leaves in this recipe.
goya dry adobo seasoning - Substitute with homemade adobo seasoning: Making your own adobo seasoning using common spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano can replace the Goya dry adobo seasoning in this recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Pork Carnitas
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the shredded pork carnitas in a circular motion on the plate, creating a visually appealing presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro and a touch of fresh lime zest over the pork for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element such as thinly sliced radishes or jicama to provide a contrast to the tender pork.
- Utilize vibrant salsas: Serve alongside a trio of vibrant salsas, such as tomatillo, mango, and pineapple for a burst of color and flavor.
- Artistic sauce drizzle: Drizzle a smoky chipotle or tangy citrus-infused sauce in an artistic manner around the plate to add a touch of elegance.
- Serve with handmade tortillas: Present the pork carnitas with warm, handmade corn or flour tortillas for an authentic touch.
- Elevate with edible flowers: Garnish the dish with edible flowers, such as marigold or nasturtium, for a delicate and sophisticated touch.
Essential Equipment for Making Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop kitchen appliance used for cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period. It's perfect for slow-cooking meats and creating tender, flavorful dishes.
- Sauté pan: A sauté pan is a wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, making it ideal for browning, sautéing, and pan-frying ingredients. It's a versatile tool for cooking a wide range of dishes.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting and preparing the pork shoulder. It allows for precise cuts and makes it easier to insert the garlic slivers into the meat.
- Crockpot: A crockpot, also known as a slow cooker, is a convenient kitchen appliance for slow-cooking dishes. It's perfect for tenderizing meats and creating flavorful, hands-off meals.
- Forks: Two forks are used for shredding the cooked pork shoulder into tender, bite-sized pieces. They are essential for achieving the desired texture for the carnitas.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used for combining the shredded pork with the cooking juices and additional seasonings. It's essential for ensuring the flavors are well-distributed throughout the dish.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Pork Carnitas
- Allow the pork carnitas to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled carnitas to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- If storing in the refrigerator, consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
- To freeze, portion the carnitas into smaller, meal-sized quantities for easier thawing and reheating.
- Remove as much air as possible from the storage containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the pork carnitas for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen carnitas in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed carnitas in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Alternatively, reheat the carnitas in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- For best results, consume the reheated pork carnitas within 2 days of thawing.
How To Reheat Pork Carnitas Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover slow cooker pork carnitas is to use a skillet or frying pan on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or lard in the pan over medium-high heat, then add the desired amount of carnitas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is heated through and crispy on the edges, about 5-7 minutes.
Another option is to reheat the carnitas in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the carnitas on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil or lard. Cover the sheet with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is heated through. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the edges.
For a quick and easy method, reheat the carnitas in the microwave. Place the desired amount of pork in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the pork is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meat to dry out.
If you have leftover pork carnitas and want to change things up, consider using them as a filling for quesadillas, burritos, or enchiladas. Simply reheat the carnitas using one of the methods above, then add them to your favorite recipe for a delicious and easy meal.
For a tasty breakfast option, reheat the carnitas in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter, then add scrambled eggs and your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado, or cheese. Serve with warm tortillas for a satisfying and flavorful breakfast burrito.
Is Making Pork Carnitas in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker pork carnitas recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients such as pork shoulder roast, garlic, and cumin makes it budget-friendly. With an approximate cost of $15, this recipe can feed a family of four, making it a great option for those looking to save money without compromising on flavor. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 9/10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delicious taste.
Is This Slow Cooker Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The slow cooker pork carnitas recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to the high fat content of the pork shoulder and the use of chicken broth. However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients like garlic and spices, which offer various health benefits.
Here are some ways to make this recipe healthier:
- Use a leaner cut of pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin, to reduce the overall fat content
- Replace the chicken broth with low-sodium vegetable broth or water to reduce the sodium content
- Increase the amount of spices and herbs used to add more flavor without relying on salt
- Serve the carnitas with plenty of fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, to increase the nutrient content of the meal
- Use whole grain tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas to increase the fiber content and reduce the carbohydrate intake
By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of slow cooker pork carnitas while also making the dish more nutritious and health-friendly. Remember, moderation is key, and it's always a good idea to balance indulgent meals with plenty of fresh, whole foods to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe
The slow cooker pork carnitas recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The use of chipotle peppers and garlic infuses the pork with a rich, smoky taste, while the combination of cumin, adobo, and sazon adds depth and complexity. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and succulent, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for filling soft tacos. The final touch of additional seasoning and a brief cooking period enhances the flavors, resulting in a dish that is sure to impress. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe:
This slow cooker pork carnitas recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The succulent pork shoulder is seasoned with a perfect blend of cumin, adobo seasoning, and oregano, ensuring a burst of authentic flavors in every bite. The addition of chipotle peppers and garlic infuses the meat with a smoky and aromatic essence. Slow-cooked to perfection in chicken broth, the pork becomes tender and juicy, making it an ideal filling for soft tacos. With a balance of traditional spices and a foolproof cooking method, this recipe promises to deliver a mouthwatering and authentic carnitas experience.
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