Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas (Print-Friendly Format)
Slow-cooked pork seasoned with citrus, garlic, and spices, then crisped for tacos, bowls, or salads.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Carnitas Rub
01 -
1 tablespoon dried oregano
02 -
2 teaspoons ground cumin
03 -
1 tablespoon avocado oil
→ Carnitas
04 -
900 grams pork tenderloin or boneless pork loin
05 -
120 grams yellow onion, chopped
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 medium jalapeño, stem removed and chopped
08 -
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
09 -
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
10 -
65 millilitres freshly squeezed navel orange juice
11 -
Avocado oil, for searing
# How to Make It:
01 -
Combine dried oregano, ground cumin, and avocado oil in a small bowl. Whisk or stir until fully blended.
02 -
Pat the pork tenderloin completely dry using paper towels. Rub the prepared spice mixture evenly over the pork, ensuring all sides are well coated.
03 -
Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, jalapeño, salt, lime juice, and orange juice.
04 -
Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Check with a meat thermometer; pork is ready when it reaches 90°C and shreds easily with a fork.
05 -
Carefully shred the cooked pork in the slow cooker using two forks or transfer to a cutting board and shred, reserving all juices. If not serving immediately, refrigerate pork and juices in an airtight container until ready to finish.
06 -
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of avocado oil and warm until shimmering. Spread a single layer of shredded pork in the skillet, adding a spoonful of reserved cooking juices. Cook until the liquid evaporates and the bottom is browned and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and brown the other side. Transfer to a large bowl.
07 -
Continue searing remaining pork in batches. Once all carnitas are seared, drizzle a little of the cooking juices over the meat and serve immediately as desired.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For best results, sear the pork just before serving for optimal crispiness.
02 -
Only use 900 grams of pork as indicated unless adjusting other ingredient quantities accordingly to maintain flavor and moisture.
03 -
To increase heat, keep jalapeño seeds during chopping.