Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Succulent pork carnitas on a platter with corn tortillas, lime slices, onion and cilantro.

SLOW COOKER PORK CARNITAS

Discover how to make mouthwatering and budget-friendly Pork Carnitas infused with zesty citrus and classic Mexican spices in this easy-to-follow recipe perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations! Instant Pot directions are below.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Holidays and Entertaining, Meal Prep
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Crock pot or slow cooker
  • or Instant Pot or pressure cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 4 4 pounds pork shoulder also known as ‘pork butt’
  • 1 lime juice and zest
  • ½ orange juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) *for pressure cooking method only

Instructions
 

  • Cut the pork shoulder into big chunks, about 4-inches and place in the crock pot.
  • Add the zest and juice of the lime and half an orange andstir to coat the meat in the liquid.
  • In a small bowl mix the cumin, oregano, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the meat, stirring until the meat is well coated. 
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours.
  •  Just wait until youcan smell this slice of heaven!
  • When it’s cooked, using a slotted spoon, remove the pork to a rimmed baking sheet (covered in foil or with cooking spray).
  • Pour the liquid from the crock pot into a small saucepan and boil to reduce until thickened.
  • Pour this lovely liquid over the pork and shred with two forks, coating the meat with the sauce.
  • Turn on the broiler and place the pan o’goodness under the broiler until some of the edges are brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. But keep your eye on it because burning a pan filled with this amazing stuff would be a crime!

Pressure cooker (Instant Pot) method:

  • Follow the preparation instructions above. .
  • Place the meat in your cooker and add one cup of broth.
  • Lock the lid and set the steam release vent to the sealed position.
  • Press the "manual" button and set the timer on high pressure for 40 minutes.
  • When the time is up let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
  • Then manually release remaining pressure by moving the steam release vent to the "venting" position.
  • Follow the instructions for broiling the meat above.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 28gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 810mgPotassium: 530mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 188IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Cinco de Mayo, Crock-Pot, Dairy Free, Game Day, Pork
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!