Let me tell you, making *crispy slow cooker carnitas* at home is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do in the kitchen! I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of tender, flavorful pork wafting through the house? The beauty of this dish is that it’s not just about ease—it’s all about that incredible flavor and versatility. Picture this: you’ve got perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth pork that you can toss into tacos, burritos, or even drizzle over nachos for an epic feast. Trust me, once you get a taste of these carnitas, you’ll be dreaming about them long after the last bite! I remember the first time I made them; my friends couldn’t believe I whipped up such a delicious meal with minimal effort. So, let’s dive in and make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 4 pounds pork shoulder – This is the star of the show! Look for a nice piece with some marbling for extra flavor.
- 1 onion, quartered – This adds a lovely sweetness as it cooks down and infuses the pork.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor that’s absolutely essential.
- 2 teaspoons cumin – This spice gives the carnitas that warm, earthy flavor that we all love.
- 1 teaspoon oregano – A touch of this herb adds depth to the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Just enough to enhance all those wonderful flavors!
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – For a little kick and balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a hint of warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- Juice of 2 limes – This brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of the pork.
- 1 cup chicken broth – This keeps the pork moist during cooking and adds even more flavor.
How to Prepare *Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas*
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and dive into the magic of making these *crispy slow cooker carnitas*! I love how simple this process is, and I’m here to guide you through each step. Just follow along, and I promise you’ll end up with a delicious dish that’ll wow everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab that beautiful 4-pound pork shoulder and place it right in your slow cooker. No need to trim too much fat; that’s where the flavor is!
- Next, toss in the quartered onion and minced garlic. These two will work their magic as the pork cooks, making everything taste absolutely divine.
- Now, sprinkle the cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the pork. Trust me, this blend is what gives your carnitas that irresistible flavor!
- Don’t forget to squeeze in the juice of those two limes. It brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the pork. Yum!
- Finally, pour in that cup of chicken broth. This will keep everything moist and tender while cooking. It’s like giving your pork a cozy bath!
- Once everything is in the slow cooker, cover it up and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This is where the magic happens—just let it do its thing!
- After 8 hours, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Let it cool for a few minutes before you shred it with two forks. It should fall apart beautifully!
- Now, here comes the fun part! Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While that’s heating up, spread the shredded pork out evenly on a baking sheet. You want it to get nice and crispy!
- Pop that baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want those edges to turn golden brown and crispy, but you don’t want to burn it. Oops!
- Once it’s crispy to your liking, take it out and get ready to serve! These carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or just piled high on nachos. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick cooking time – Just set it and forget it in the slow cooker while you go about your day!
- Easy to prepare – With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful dish without the fuss.
- Rich, mouthwatering flavors – The blend of spices and lime juice creates an irresistible taste that’s hard to beat.
- Versatile – Enjoy these carnitas in tacos, burritos, or on nachos. The possibilities are endless!
- Gluten-free – Perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions, making it a crowd-pleaser for all!
- Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
- Crispy texture – The final baking step gives you that satisfying crunch that takes these carnitas over the top.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *crispy slow cooker carnitas* turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by! Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your dish to a whole new level.
- Season to taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices! If you like it spicier, add a bit more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños. Taste as you go!
- Use quality meat: A good cut of pork shoulder makes all the difference. Look for a piece with good marbling for that tender, juicy result.
- Let it rest: After shredding the pork, let it sit for a few minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together even more!
- Broil for extra crispiness: If you want an even crunchier texture, after baking, switch your oven to broil for a minute or two. Just watch it closely—it can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
- Save the juices: Don’t toss those cooking juices! Drizzle a bit over the shredded pork before baking for added moisture and flavor.
- Experiment with toppings: Top your carnitas with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your delicious carnitas! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious *crispy slow cooker carnitas* and keep them tasting amazing! I always make extra so I can savor the flavors more than once, and trust me, you’ll want to do the same!
- Storing leftovers: Once your carnitas have cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to avoid that dreaded sogginess!
- Freezing for later: If you want to save them for a rainy day, you can freeze the carnitas! Just portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to dig in, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: To keep that lovely crispiness, I recommend reheating them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and spread the shredded carnitas on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also pop them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end for an extra crunch. Just keep a close eye on them!
- Microwave option: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be warned—it won’t retain that crispy texture. Just heat them in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. But honestly, I prefer the oven method for that perfect bite!
Following these storage and reheating tips will ensure you enjoy your *crispy slow cooker carnitas* just as much as the first time. Happy feasting!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s break down the nutritional info for these *crispy slow cooker carnitas*! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re getting in each delicious serving. Perfect for keeping track if you’re mindful about your meals!
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
So, there you have it—a hearty and satisfying dish that packs a punch with flavor and protein. Enjoy your carnitas without the guilt, and feel good about what you’re serving up at the table!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is my go-to for these *crispy slow cooker carnitas*, you can also use pork butt or even a pork loin if you prefer a leaner option. Just remember, the more fat, the more flavor and tenderness you’ll get, so keep that in mind!
Can I make these carnitas in advance?
Yes! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. You can make the carnitas a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. They’ll taste just as amazing!
What’s the best way to serve carnitas?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can serve these *crispy slow cooker carnitas* in tacos, burritos, or over nachos. I love to top them with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor. They’re also delicious in a salad or as a filling for quesadillas!
Can I cook these carnitas on high instead of low?
You can, but I highly recommend cooking them on low for the best results. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook them on high for about 4-5 hours, but the low and slow method really brings out the flavors and tenderness of the meat.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem! You can make these carnitas in a Dutch oven or a heavy pot on the stovetop. Just follow the same steps and simmer them on low heat for about 3-4 hours, checking occasionally to make sure they don’t dry out. You’ll still get that deliciously tender pork!
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas: 8 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy slow cooker carnitas are flavorful, tender, and easy to make. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, chili powder, lime juice, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender.
- Remove the pork and shred it with two forks.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Serve in tacos or your favorite dish.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Use the crispy bits for added texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker and Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crispy slow cooker carnitas, carnitas recipe, slow cooker pork
