Main Dishescarlsbadcravings5.0
Crock Pot Carnitas
These are the BEST Pork Carnitas (Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork) you will ever try! Or so say all the reviews! These Slow Cooker Carnitas are super juicy, easy and so much more flavorful than other versions complete with glorious caramelized crispy burnt ends! They are great for large crowds or make ahead meals and makes the best tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, etc!
👥 8 Servings⏱️ Prep & Cook: 6h 15m⏳ Prep: 15 min🔥 Cook: 6h👤 Jen📖 carlsbadcravings
🥘 Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them:
🍳 Cookware
- skillet
- cutting board
- slow cooker
- bowl
- whisk
- baking sheet
- oven
📝 Preparation Steps
1
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over high heat in a large skillet. Using tongs or 2 forks, sear pork on all sides until lightly browned. Transfer pork to cutting board until cool enough to handle.
vegetable oil1 tablespoon
2
Meanwhile, whisk together all of the Wet Spice Rub ingredients in a medium bowl. When pork is cool enough, massage Wet Spice Rub evenly all over then transfer pork to slow cooker. Add orange juice, lime juice, liquid smoke, and 2 bay leaves to slow cooker. Top pork with onions and jalapeno. Cook on LOW for 8 to ⏱️ 10 hours or on high for ⏱️ 5-6 hours OR until pork is fall apart tender and easily shreds with a fork.
lime juice2 tablespoonsliquid smoke (**)1 teaspoonsbay leaves2jalapeno, (deveined, deseeded, chopped)1
3
Remove pork from slow cooker to cutting board, shred, and add back to slow cooker and toss with juices. Cook on low for ⏱️ 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with foil.
4
After ⏱️ 20 minutes, remove pork (do NOT discard juices in slow cooker) and add shredded pork to both baking sheets in an even layer. Drizzle with some of the remaining juices (about 1/4 cup) and bake for ⏱️ 15 minutes then broil to desired crispiness, watching closely so meat doesn’t burn (about ⏱️ 5-10 minutes). Drizzle with additional juices and toss.
5
Serve warm in tortillas, on rice, salad, etc. with favorite toppings.
6
Variation
7
This pork is a great springboard for several variations. For a saucy version, instead of broiling the pork, drain off excess juices then add (more or less to taste): 1/2 cup enchilada sauce, 1/4 cup salsa, 4 oz. green chilies and brown sugar and hot sauce to taste.
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