Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried crispy slow cooker carnitas yet, you are seriously missing out! Imagine tender, juicy pork that’s been slowly cooked to perfection, soaking up all those delicious flavors. The real magic happens when you pop it in the oven for a quick bake, giving it those irresistible crispy edges. Trust me, once you fill your warm tortillas with this mouthwatering goodness, topped with fresh salsa and creamy avocado, you’ll be hooked! Whether it’s taco night or just a cozy dinner at home, these carnitas are just what you need to elevate your meal.
Ingredients List
- 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced (don’t forget to catch those seeds!)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoons cumin (this adds a lovely warmth)
- 2 teaspoons oregano (dried works great)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for that perfect kick!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if you can)
How to Prepare Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing your pork shoulder chunks right into the slow cooker. Don’t worry about being too precise; just make sure it’s all in there!
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. This is where the aroma begins, and trust me, it’s going to smell amazing!
- Now, pour the freshly squeezed orange juice and lime juice over the pork. This adds a zesty flavor that really brightens things up.
- Sprinkle the cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper over everything. Give it a little stir to ensure the seasonings coat the pork evenly. Yum!
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The low and slow method really helps develop that deep flavor, so if you have the time, go for low!
- Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the pork. Use two forks to pull it apart right in the slow cooker. It should be super tender and fall apart easily.
- Take the shredded pork and spread it out on a baking sheet. This is where the magic happens!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and pop the baking sheet in for about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving those crispy edges we all crave.
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my top tips to ensure your crispy slow cooker carnitas turn out absolutely perfect! Trust me; these little nuggets of wisdom will make a big difference.
- Seasoning Balance: Make sure you taste the seasonings before cooking. You want that beautiful balance of flavors. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more chili powder or even a dash of cayenne!
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low for the full 8 hours really allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. If you’re in a hurry, high for 4 hours works, but I promise the low method is worth the wait!
- Shredding Technique: When shredding the pork, don’t be shy! Use two forks to really pull it apart. If it feels tough, it probably needs a bit more time to cook. It should fall apart easily!
- Don’t Skip the Oven: That final baking step is crucial for those crispy edges. Keep an eye on it—ovens can vary, and you don’t want to end up with burnt bits!
- Let It Rest: If you can, let the shredded pork sit for about 10 minutes after baking before serving. This helps the meat absorb its juices again, making it even more flavorful.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create carnitas that will wow your family and friends. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!
- Perfect for meal prep: Cook a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—just reheat and serve!
- Great flavor: The combination of citrus and spices makes every bite burst with flavor, keeping your taste buds dancing!
- Versatile: Use the carnitas for tacos, burritos, salads, or even on nachos—endless delicious possibilities!
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good taco night, and these carnitas are sure to please both kids and adults alike!
- Crispy edges: That oven finish gives you satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pork.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your crispy slow cooker carnitas ready to go, let’s talk about how to serve them up for a next-level feast! You’ll want to make sure you have all the delicious accompaniments to really elevate your meal.
- Tortillas: Warm, soft tortillas are a must! Flour or corn, it’s entirely up to you—both are fantastic for wrapping around that juicy carnitas.
- Salsa: A fresh salsa adds a burst of flavor! Whether it’s a classic pico de gallo, a zesty tomatillo salsa, or something spicy, the choice is yours!
- Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado or a dollop of guacamole provide a rich, buttery contrast to the crispy pork. It’s pure bliss!
- Pickled Red Onions: These tangy, colorful beauties add a nice crunch and a pop of acidity that balances out the richness of the carnitas.
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds a burst of color but also a lovely herbal note that ties everything together.
- Lime Wedges: Don’t forget the lime! A squeeze right before you take a bite adds a zesty brightness that makes all the flavors sing!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions or even add your own favorite toppings. The beauty of crispy slow cooker carnitas is how versatile they are—get creative and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional side of these amazing crispy slow cooker carnitas! Knowing what’s in your food can be just as satisfying as making it, right? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving, which is based on a total of 6 servings from this recipe:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 36g
This recipe is a fantastic source of protein, making it a satisfying option for a hearty meal. Plus, with all those flavors packed into each bite, you won’t even miss the additional carbs! Enjoy your carnitas guilt-free and feel good about treating yourself!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of meat for these carnitas?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is the traditional choice for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use other cuts like pork butt or even pork loin if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or sauté in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through. For that crispy texture, you can even give them a quick bake in the oven!
Can I make these carnitas ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These carnitas are perfect for meal prep. Just cook them up, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. They actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded!
What can I do with leftover carnitas?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can use leftover carnitas in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even on a salad. They’re also fantastic on nachos or as a filling for enchiladas! Get creative!
Can I freeze crispy slow cooker carnitas?
Definitely! Just let the carnitas cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s chat about how to properly store those delicious crispy slow cooker carnitas and the best ways to reheat them so they stay just as tasty as when they were first made. Trust me, you’ll want to keep enjoying every last bite!
To store your leftovers, simply let the carnitas cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find yourself with more than you can eat, don’t worry! These carnitas freeze beautifully. Just scoop them into a freezer-safe bag or container, press out any excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, you have a couple of great options. If you want to keep that wonderful crispiness, I recommend popping them back in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the carnitas on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help revive that delightful texture!
If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat them in the microwave, but be aware that they might not be as crispy. Place the carnitas in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
Whichever method you choose, just make sure they’re heated to a safe internal temperature, and you’ll be ready to enjoy those leftover carnitas just like the first time around! Happy eating!
Drucken
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas: 5 Secrets to Perfect Flavor
- Gesamtzeit: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Crispy slow cooker carnitas are tender, flavorful, and perfect for tacos or burritos.
Zutaten
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Anweisungen
- Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Pour orange and lime juice over the pork.
- Sprinkle with cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks.
- Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for crispy edges.
Notes
- Serve with tortillas, salsa, and avocado.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 8 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Slow Cooker
- Küche: Mexican
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1/6 of recipe
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 5g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: crispy slow cooker carnitas, pork carnitas, slow cooker recipes
