Slow Cooker Carnitas Authentic Mexican Pulled Pork No Fuss
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Slow Cooker Carnitas: Authentic Mexican Pulled Pork (No Fuss!)
Fancy some proper Mexican grub without the faff? This carnitas recipe crock pot is your answer, mate! It's proper easy, tastes amazing, and the slow cooker does all the graft.
Have you ever tried making carnitas and felt overwhelmed by the prep? This recipe will change your mind.
Crispy, Tender, Oh My Days!
This Mexican pulled pork slow cooker recipe is inspired by the traditional carnitas , the king of easy Mexican pork dishes.
It brings the genuine taste of Mexico to your dinner table. It’s dead simple. Just bung it all in the crock pot , wait for the magic to happen, and then crisp it up under the broiler.
We are talking about fall apart tender pulled pork tacos with crispy edges.
Effortless Goodness, Proper Flavours
This Authentic Carnitas Recipe Slow Cooker is rated as easy because it relies heavily on the slow cooker, requiring minimal active cooking time.
Most of the effort is in prepping the ingredients and shredding the pork after cooking. Prep time is around 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 6- 8 hours on low.
This recipe makes enough for 6-8 hungry souls.
Why You'll Love This
Using a slow cooker creates perfectly tender meat every time. Plus, it's proper convenient set it and forget it! This slow cooker pork shoulder carnitas is a belter for parties, family dinners, or even just a lazy Sunday.
It's a healthier option than takeaway, packed with protein, and tastes incredible.
Right, let's get on with the ingredients you need for this pork carnitas slow cooker masterpiece!
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's dive into what you need for this carnitas recipe crock pot . I reckon you might already have some of these bits and bobs in your kitchen.
But just in case, here’s the lowdown.
Main Ingredients
Honestly, the quality of the pork makes a huge difference. This Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe is so easy, it needs good ingredients.
- Pork Shoulder: 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2 inch chunks. You know, the stuff that looks marbled with fat is your best bet for fall apart tender Mexican Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe .
- Orange: 1 large, quartered. Go for a juicy one, yeah?
- Onion: 1 large, quartered. Any will do, don't stress too much.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh is best!
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) .
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons . This is key for that authentic tang!
Seasoning Notes
The spice rub is where the magic happens. This combo delivers that classic Authentic Carnitas Recipe Slow Cooker flavour. You can tweak it to your liking.
- Essential Spice Mix:
- Kosher Salt: 2 tablespoons .
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons .
- Ground Cumin: 1 tablespoon .
- Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon .
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon . I love using this! It adds a proper smoky depth.
- Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon .
- Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick, like it hot? Chuck it in!
If you haven't got smoked paprika, normal paprika will do in a pinch. Maybe add a tiny dash of liquid smoke if you're feeling fancy.
Also, consider that this is just Easy Mexican , no pressure!
Equipment Needed
Nothing too fancy here, thank goodness! A proper Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker doesn't need a load of faff.
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): A 6-quart (5.7-liter) one is ideal. You may need to cook in batches.
- Large Bowl: For mixing the spices and tossing the pork.
- Tongs: Essential for getting the pork out of the slow cooker.
- Forks: For shredding. Two is the best.
- Baking Sheet: To crisp up the Crispy Carnitas Crock Pot .
Don't have a baking sheet? A large oven safe dish will do. No slow cooker? That's a shame! But low and slow in the oven will also work.
We're aiming for about 300° F ( 150° C) .
Slow Cooker Carnitas: Authentic Mexican Pulled Pork (No Fuss!)
Fancy some proper Slow Cooker Carnitas without the fuss? Honestly, who doesn't? This carnitas recipe is your ticket to fall apart tender, flavour packed Mexican pulled pork slow cooker recipe .
Picture this: crispy edges, ready for tacos or just scoffed straight from the bowl. This is easy Mexican sorted! Forget babysitting a pan; your trusty crock pot does all the heavy lifting.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
Right, first things first: let's get organised. Essential mise en place is key. Chop your 3-4 lb pork shoulder into 2 inch chunks.
Mix your spices 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon black pepper , and maybe a pinch of ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you’re feeling brave.
Quarter 1 large orange and 1 large onion . Mince 4 cloves garlic . Get your 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar ready.
Phew! Safety first: wash your hands!
step-by-step: Carnitas Recipe Crock Pot Edition
Here’s how to nail this carnitas recipe crock pot . I promise it's dead easy.
- Pat your pork dry. This helps it get crispy later .
- Rub that gorgeous spice mix all over the pork chunks. Get in there!
- Throw the onion and orange into the bottom of your slow cooker. Like a little flavour bed!
- Pile the spiced pork on top.
- Pour in your 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or on high for 3- 4 hours . Until it falls apart with a mere glance .
- Shred that beauty with two forks. Discard the orange and onion.
- Spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3- 5 minutes until crispy. Watch it like a hawk! Turn and broil another 2- 3 minutes to crisp the other side.
Pro Tips: Nailing Crispy Carnitas Crock Pot
Want to take your pork carnitas slow cooker to the next level? Sear the pork first in a hot pan for even more flavour.
Trust me on this one! Don't overcrowd the slow cooker or they won't get crispy. Common mistake? Skipping the apple cider vinegar.
Don't do it! That's one of the keys of an authentic carnitas recipe slow cooker . Need a head start? You can prep the pork and spice rub the night before, ready for a quick slow cooker session.
Now, go forth and make some delicious Mexican pulled pork ! Perfect for Pulled Pork Tacos and get ready for some Easy Mexican.
Recipe Notes
Right, so you're about to embark on a flavour journey with this carnitas recipe crock pot . Here are some notes to make sure you absolutely nail it.
Honestly, it's dead easy, but a few pointers never hurt, eh?
Plating Up: Serving Suggestions
Right then, presentation is key!
For classic Pulled Pork Tacos , warm up some tortillas. Get your usual taco fillings, like onion, cilantro, salsa, and guac. Squeeze some lime to finish them off.
For burrito bowls, layer the Slow Cooker Carnitas over rice with beans, corn, and salsa. Don't forget the cheese and guac.
Want some nachos? Spread tortilla chips, add the carnitas, cheese, and jalapenos.
Storing Like a Pro: Storage Tips
Let's talk storage. Once your Mexican Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe is cooked, let it cool down a bit. Then, pop it in an airtight container.
It’ll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Freezing it? Absolutely! It'll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months . Make sure to wrap it well or use a freezer safe container.
When you are ready to reheat your Slow Cooker Mexican Pork , simply microwave or oven bake it until it's piping hot!
Mix It Up: Variations
Fancy a bit of a twist?
Spice it up by adding a chopped jalapeno. Or increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub. For a brighter flavour, try adding some lime or grapefruit juice.
Need a lower sodium option? Use low-sodium broth and reduce the salt in the rub. This Authentic Carnitas Recipe Slow Cooker is super flexible.
Fuel Up: Nutrition Basics
Each serving of this carnitas recipe crock pot clocks in at about 450 calories. You are also getting 40g of protein, 30g of fat, 5g of carbs, 1g of fiber, 2g of sugar, and 700mg of sodium.
Remember, these are just estimates. They will vary depending on your specific ingredients. This Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker is a fantastic source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health!
So, there you have it! All the notes you need to make this Crispy Carnitas Crock Pot recipe a resounding success. Don't be shy about experimenting, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this carnitas recipe crock pot version ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day or two in advance can actually improve the flavour. Just shred the pork after slow cooking, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and then crisp it up under the broiler when you're ready to serve. Think of it like a vintage wine, only with pork!
How do I get those crispy edges on my slow cooker carnitas?
The key to crispy carnitas is the broiling step! After shredding the pork, spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes per side, watching carefully so it doesn't burn.
If you're feeling fancy, you can even crisp it up in a hot skillet with a little oil or lard think of it like giving your pork a sun tan!
My slow cooker carnitas recipe crock pot turned out a bit dry. What did I do wrong?
Dry carnitas can be a bit of a bummer. It usually happens if there wasn't enough liquid in the slow cooker or if it cooked for too long on high. Make sure to add the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar as instructed, and check the pork's tenderness periodically. If it's already falling apart, it's done!
A splash more broth when shredding can also help.
Can I freeze leftover carnitas? What's the best way to store them?
Good news, mate! Carnitas freeze beautifully. Let the shredded pork cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags, pressing out any excess air. They'll keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to use them, thaw them in the fridge overnight and crisp them up under the broiler.
They're also great reheated in a pan, or even in a microwave if you are in a rush.
Is this carnitas recipe crock pot healthy? What about the nutritional information?
While carnitas are undeniably delicious, they are relatively high in fat, but that’s part of what makes them so tender and flavourful. This recipe uses a lean pork shoulder to minimize fat content. You can also trim any excess fat before cooking. Check out the recipe for the estimated nutritional information.
Remember, everything in moderation, even the best slow cooker carnitas!
What are some creative ways to use leftover slow cooker carnitas?
Don't let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Beyond the obvious tacos and burritos, carnitas are amazing in quesadillas, nachos, or even as a pizza topping. Try adding them to scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast, or toss them in a salad for a protein boost.
The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun!
Slow Cooker Carnitas Authentic Mexican Pulled Po
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |