This easy Slow Cooker Simple Shredded Pork Carnitas recipe is perfect for a quick, hearty meal. Made with tender pork shoulder, garlic, and fresh cilantro, it’s packed with flavor. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime, and sour cream for a delicious and customizable dish.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeRecipe Ingredients
- 2 lbs (908 g) boneless pork shoulder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (1 g) minced fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1½ tsp (2 g) dried oregano
- 1 (14.5-oz [411-g]) can low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 corn or flour tortillas, toasted or warmed
TOPPINGS:
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
How To Make Slow Cooker Simple Shredded Pork Carnitas
- Prepare the pork: Combine the pork, garlic, cilantro, onion, oregano, broth, salt, and pepper in a 6-quart (6-L) slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours.
- Shred the pork: Once cooked, transfer the pork to a plate and shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
- Serve: Serve the carnitas in tortillas and top with additional cilantro, avocado, lime, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Recipe Tips
- Use a good cut of pork: Choose a boneless pork shoulder for the best tenderness and flavor. It’s perfect for shredding after slow cooking.
- Season well: Don’t be afraid to add extra salt and pepper to the pork before cooking, as it will enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Don’t skip the broiling step: After shredding the pork, broil it for a few minutes to get crispy edges for more texture and flavor.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like salsa, pickled onions, or jalapeños for extra zest.
- Rest the meat before shredding: Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, you can use pork loin or beef chuck, but the pork shoulder gives the best flavor and tenderness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The carnitas can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated when ready to serve.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
Can I use a slow cooker on low heat for less time?
While it’s recommended to cook on low for 6 hours, you can cook it on high for 3 hours for faster results.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, store the shredded pork in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Check out More Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Simple Fish Curry
- Slow Cooker Sichuan Chilli Eggplant And Soya Beans
- Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu Over Pappardelle Pasta
Slow Cooker Simple Shredded Pork Carnitas
Course: DinnerCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Medium6
servings10
minutes6
hours540
kcalThis easy Slow Cooker Simple Shredded Pork Carnitas recipe is perfect for a quick, hearty meal. Made with tender pork shoulder, garlic, and fresh cilantro, it’s packed with flavor. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime, and sour cream for a delicious and customizable dish.
Ingredients
2 lbs (908 g) boneless pork shoulder
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp (1 g) minced fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
1 large onion, chopped
1½ tsp (2 g) dried oregano
1 (14.5-oz [411-g]) can low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 corn or flour tortillas, toasted or warmed
- TOPPINGS:
Diced avocado
Lime wedges
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Directions
- Prepare the pork: Combine the pork, garlic, cilantro, onion, oregano, broth, salt, and pepper in a 6-quart (6-L) slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours.
- Shred the pork: Once cooked, transfer the pork to a plate and shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
- Serve: Serve the carnitas in tortillas and top with additional cilantro, avocado, lime, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories540
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
35g
54%
- Saturated Fat 12g 60%
- Cholesterol 96mg 32%
- Sodium 378mg 16%
- Total Carbohydrate
31g
11%
- Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 33g 66%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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