Crockpot Pork Carnitas
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This crockpot pork carnitas recipe makes the most succulent, tender pulled pork. Then it’s broiled to create delicious, flavor-packed crispy edges, resulting in an irresistible contrast. The savory deliciousness of these carnitas is only matched by the versatility – use them in tacos, nachos, burritos, sandwiches, or as a side with some potatoes and salad – the possibilities are endless!
The contrast of juicy, savory pork and the flavorful crispy edges create the most delicious combination! Making pork carnitas in the crockpot couldn’t be easier, with minimal prep – simply throw it in the slow cooker with some orange and lime juice and a few spices, and come back several hours later. Then finish it off under the broiler and you’ve got a dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients needed
This super simple slow cooker pulled pork carnitas uses the following ingredients:
- Orange: The orange juice adds a bright note.
- Lime: Adds a zesty tang.
- Onion: Contributes depth of flavor as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Infuses the pork with savory depth.
- Tomato paste: For umami richness.
- Water: The liquid component to keep the pork tender
- Spices: Cumin, chili powder, oregano, and sea salt add warm and herbaceous notes.
- Pork: Use pork butt, pork shoulder, or boneless pork ribs as the meaty base of the dish.
What is the difference between pulled pork and carnitas?
Pulled pork and carnitas both involve slow cooking and then shredding pork, however, some differences set them apart. Carnitas, originating from Mexico, have an additional step of broiling the meat after slow cooking, creating a contrast of textures of tender meat with crispy edges. Pulled pork is served uniformly tender and moist throughout. The seasonings the pork is cooked with can also differ from pulled pork, whereas carnitas are traditionally made with seasonings like citrus juice, garlic, cumin, and oregano.
What cut of pork to use for crockpot pork carnitas
This recipe calls for pork shoulder, which is also referred to as pork butt or boston butt. Despite the name referencing the rear, it’s actually from the upper part of the pig’s front shoulder. This cut of pork has a marbling of fat which results in tender and flavorful carnitas. You can find bone-in or boneless. While the bone-in variety is favored by some as it adds extra flavor, boneless is more convenient to shred the meat after cooking and fits easier into a slow cooker.
One commonly asked question is if you can use pork loin or pork tenderloin instead, as these cuts of pork are leaner. However, the lower fat content results in less juicy carnitas that dry out easily. If you’re craving pork tenderloin, make this baked pork tenderloin or these pork medallions instead.
How to serve crockpot pork carnitas
These are super easy, delicious, and so versatile! Make a batch then enjoy in different recipes – here are our top picks:
- Carnitas tacos: Put your pulled pork on flour or corn tortillas with your favorite toppings, like cilantro, easy guacamole, cheese, or pico de gallo.
- Burrito: Wrap your crockpot pulled pork up with mexican rice, guacamole, cilantro, salsa, black beans, and cheese.
- Carnitas sandwich: Place your crockpot pork on a sandwich with slaw.
- Nachos: Load up some nachos with pork, cheese, jalapeños, and more cheese!
- Carnitas lettuce wraps: Wrap into lettuce with guacamole, and red onions.
- Mac and cheese: Stir some delicious pulled pork through some mac and cheese for a savory twist on this satisfying classic.
- Pizza: Top a pizza off with some pulled pork, bbq sauce, peppers, cheese, and other favorite pizza toppings.
- Chili: Incorporate into pulled pork chili for an extra layer of heartiness.
Recipe FAQs
Can I store leftover crockpot pork carnitas?
Yes, this stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Leftovers freeze and reheat really well – thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I double the recipe to make more pulled pork carnitas?
As long as your crockpot is big enough to fit twice the amount of meat, then yes! Cook on low heat for eight hours.
How many tacos will this crockpot pork carnitas recipe make?
If using four-inch tortillas, there is enough meat to generously fill 16 tacos.
Crockpot Pork Carnitas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large orange (juiced)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1 medium onion (finely minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon EACH: cumin, chili powder, oregano, and sea salt
- 1 ½ lb. pork butt, pork shoulder, or boneless pork ribs
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients, except the pork, in your crockpot and mix them together well. Lay the pork on top and turn your crockpot to low. Cook on low for 8 hours.1 large orange, 1 lime, 1 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic, ¼ cup tomato paste, ¼ cup water, 1 teaspoon EACH: cumin, chili powder, oregano, and sea salt, 1 ½ lb. pork butt, pork shoulder, or boneless pork ribs
- When the pork is tender, gently shred it using 2 forks. Pull the pork against the grain to get long strips of meat. Mix the shredded pork with the sauce in the crockpot.
- Preheat your oven to broil. Transfer the pulled pork to a baking sheet and spread it out so that it's in a thin layer. Broil in the oven for 15-20 minutes, mixing halfway through until the pork is crispy in many spots.
- Remove from the oven and serve on sandwiches, in tacos, burritos, or as a main with some potatoes and salad.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
More pulled pork recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of our pork recipes!
Had never made anything quite like this, but so glad I tried this. Quadrupled due to size of the roast that I purchased. No changes other than to add a small amount of honey and adjust the cumin down a bit. Had oranges, lemons and only 1 lime on hand, slow cooked the full 8 hours (did flip the roast about half way through). Came out delicious! Wish I had taken pictures!
I’m so glad you gave it a try! 😊 Quadrupling it for a big roast sounds like the right call, and I love the little tweak with the honey and adjusting the cumin. The mix of oranges, lemons, and lime must have been fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing how it turned out — and I wish we had a photo, too!
I’ve made this recipe numerous times and it never disappoints!! Normally I tweak recipes but I left this one as is. I always double it too because it freezes very nicely and is also great nachos.
I love hearing that — it’s so rewarding when a recipe works perfectly as written! Doubling it is such a smart idea, and using it for nachos sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing!
I am making this today, in my crockpot now. Quick question- When you broil it do you broil it on high or low?
If your oven has those two options, go with low broil.
Can you double this recipe? If so what would the recommended cooking time be? Thanks
As long as your crockpot is big enough to fit twice the amount of meat, it will be very tender cooked on low heat for 8 hours.
If I wanted to double the recipe, could I put all of the pork ribs in the pot? Would I still only cook for 8 hours?
Yep! 8 hours will do it!
I already had a go to pork carnitas recipe, but I stumbled upon yours while looking for something to make in the crock pot. I made it for dinner tonight and the whole family agreed that it was the best! We will be making your version from now on. Thanks! The tip about broiling the meat afterward was delicious.
This is one of my daughter’s favorites (she’s 26). When I think of Mexican pulled pork I go for cholorio. I did some combining of your old and new recipes. I’m sure that it will turn out great. What i would like to know is how/if you could do this in an Insta-pot? I am really new at insta-pot cooking so i need as much help as i can. Thanks. Look forward to sampling this and your Korean pulled pork as well.
I suspect it would work well in an Instant Pot but I haven’t tried it myself yet.
Everybody asked for the recipe.
Family favourite now ?
How many tacos or servings will this make??
I want to try it for taco Tuesday this week!
We use 4″ tortillas and there is enough meat to generously fill 16 tacos.
Both my husband and myself loved this recipe. Easy ingredients and directions. A hassle to broil it at the end….BUT so worth it, it is the cherry on top! Great flavor! This recipe is going into my recipe book/box. Thank you!
Thank you for letting us know you loved the recipe!
Will it be ok if I only cook it 6 hrs — running way late today!
I haven’t actually tried it at 6 hours, so I can’t say for sure. It may be just fine, but I would hate for the meat to still be tough!
I imagine these would be great between 2 slices of Ciabatta with some melted Colby Jack and fresh crunchy lettuce. Gosh, it’s past midnight over where I am now and I’m salivating.
Thanks for sharing this versatile recipe and the awesome photos, Kristen!
Oh heck ya it would! Such a great idea!
You should totally try broiling pulled meat. I’ve done it with chicken, pork and beef and it totally changes it. The crispy parts are the best. 🙂
Oh yes … this would be so good with chicken!!
I’m obsessed with the crock pot + Mexican + carnitas so this a winner here for me!
You’re going to love this one!