Close Menu
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Uncategorized
    • Air Fryer Summer Favorites
    • Beverage Recipe
    • Camping & Outdoor Cookout Meals
    • Comfort Food for Thanksgiving
    • Delicious and nutritious dessert recipes
    • Delicious Dessert Recipe
    • Delicious desserts
    • Easy Appetizer Ideas
    • Easy Breakfast Ideas
    • Easy Mixed Rice Recipe
    • Easy Mother’s Day Recipes
    • Flavorful Curry Recipe
    • Fresh & Light Summer Recipes
    • Great for Kids
    • Grilled Summer Favorites
    • Heavenly Desserts
    • Healthy Oatmeal Recipe
    • Homemade Ice Cream Recipe
    • How to cook fried noodles
    • Kid-Approved Meals
    • Make-at-Home Copycats
    • Mother’s Day Fancy & Festive Dishes
    • Must-Try Main Courses
    • Quick & Tasty Breakfasts
    • Simple & Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Stir-Fry Recipes
    • Summer BBQ Classics
    • Summer Cooking Inspiration
    • Summer Desserts & Sweets
    • Summer Dinner Ideas
    • Summer Pasta Creations
    • Summer Picnic Foods
    • Summer Seafood Delights
    • Sweet & Simple Mother’s Day Recipes
    • Sweet Candy Recipe
    • Tasty Starters
    • Thanksgiving Recipe Collection
    • Vegetarian Summer Dishes
    • Uncategorized
  • Shop
  • About Us
Popular Recipes

Slow Cooker Beef with Mashed Potatoes – Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Chorizo Breakfast Hash – Bold, Spicy, and Hearty One-Pan Breakfast

Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars – Buttery, Tart, and Perfect for Summer Baking

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest VKontakte
The Boat Shed KitchenThe Boat Shed Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Uncategorized
    • Air Fryer Summer Favorites
    • Beverage Recipe
    • Camping & Outdoor Cookout Meals
    • Comfort Food for Thanksgiving
    • Delicious and nutritious dessert recipes
    • Delicious Dessert Recipe
    • Delicious desserts
    • Easy Appetizer Ideas
    • Easy Breakfast Ideas
    • Easy Mixed Rice Recipe
    • Easy Mother’s Day Recipes
    • Flavorful Curry Recipe
    • Fresh & Light Summer Recipes
    • Great for Kids
    • Grilled Summer Favorites
    • Heavenly Desserts
    • Healthy Oatmeal Recipe
    • Homemade Ice Cream Recipe
    • How to cook fried noodles
    • Kid-Approved Meals
    • Make-at-Home Copycats
    • Mother’s Day Fancy & Festive Dishes
    • Must-Try Main Courses
    • Quick & Tasty Breakfasts
    • Simple & Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Stir-Fry Recipes
    • Summer BBQ Classics
    • Summer Cooking Inspiration
    • Summer Desserts & Sweets
    • Summer Dinner Ideas
    • Summer Pasta Creations
    • Summer Picnic Foods
    • Summer Seafood Delights
    • Sweet & Simple Mother’s Day Recipes
    • Sweet Candy Recipe
    • Tasty Starters
    • Thanksgiving Recipe Collection
    • Vegetarian Summer Dishes
    • Uncategorized
  • Shop
  • About Us
The Boat Shed KitchenThe Boat Shed Kitchen
Trang chủ » Pork Carnitas Recipe – Easy, Juicy, and Crispy Mexican Pulled Pork

Pork Carnitas Recipe – Easy, Juicy, and Crispy Mexican Pulled Pork

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

When you’re craving bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth pork, this Pork Carnitas Recipe is your answer.

Slow-cooked with citrus, garlic, and warm spices, then crisped under the broiler, it’s the ultimate balance of juicy tenderness and crispy edges.

Whether you serve it in tacos, bowls, or burritos—this dish never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible flavor: Bright citrus and savory seasonings infuse the pork as it slow cooks.

Crispy edges: A quick broil adds texture and restaurant-style crisp.

Set it and forget it: Just toss everything in your slow cooker.

Versatile: Perfect for tacos, nachos, bowls, or sandwiches.

Feeds a crowd: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Pork roast: Use boneless pork butt or pork shoulder for best results—these cuts are rich in flavor and fall-apart tender.

Citrus juice: Fresh lime and orange juice brighten the dish and help tenderize the meat.

Onion & garlic: The aromatic base that enhances every bite.

Oregano, salt, pepper: Simple pantry spices bring warm, earthy flavor.

Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the braising liquid.

Bay leaves (optional): Subtle aroma that complements the pork beautifully.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Dry the pork well: This helps the rub stick and creates better browning later.

Use fresh citrus: Bottled juice doesn’t deliver the same brightness.

Don’t skip the broil: It makes the carnitas irresistibly crispy.

Strain the juices: You can drizzle or serve the meat with the reserved liquid.

Make ahead: Carnitas taste even better the next day!

How to Make Pork Carnitas (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Season the Pork
Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.

Rub the seasoning all over the surface of the pork.

Step 2 – Build the Flavor Base
In the bottom of your slow cooker, add the diced onion, whole garlic cloves, chicken broth, lime juice, orange juice, and bay leaves (if using).

Stir to combine.

Step 3 – Slow Cook the Pork
Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker.

Cover with the lid and cook on high for 5 hours, or on low for 7–9 hours, until the pork is very tender and easy to shred.

Step 4 – Shred and Moisten
Carefully transfer the pork to a rimmed baking sheet.

Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Drizzle ½ cup of the cooking liquid over the top to keep it juicy.

Step 5 – Broil for Crispy Edges
Set your oven to broil.

Place the tray of shredded pork on the top rack and broil for 5–7 minutes, or until the edges are golden and slightly crispy.

Watch closely to avoid burning.

What to Serve It With

Taco-style: Corn tortillas, diced onions, cilantro, and salsa.

Burrito bowls: Serve over rice with beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

Nachos: Pile onto chips with cheese and jalapeños.

Salad topping: Add a flavorful punch to your favorite salad greens.

Quesadillas: Tuck into tortillas with cheese and toast until golden.

Variations / Substitutions

Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the slow cooker.

Use chicken: Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for a lighter version.

Citrus swap: Grapefruit juice works as an alternative to orange.

No slow cooker? Use a Dutch oven and bake covered at 300°F for 3 hours.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Portion into freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.

Reheat: In the oven or stovetop until warm, or microwave with a splash of cooking liquid.

FAQs

Can I make pork carnitas in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Use a covered Dutch oven and bake at 300°F for about 3 hours until fork-tender.

What’s the best cut of pork to use?
Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is ideal—it’s well-marbled and becomes incredibly tender.

How do I prevent dry carnitas?
Don’t overcook, and always drizzle with some cooking liquid after shredding.

Can I skip the broiling step?
Technically yes, but broiling gives carnitas their signature crispiness—it’s worth the extra step!

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Carnitas freeze beautifully and are great for meal prepping.

What can I do with leftovers?
Turn them into tacos, sliders, quesadillas, enchiladas, or breakfast hash!

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, and it actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld.

Final Thoughts

These Pork Carnitas are everything you want in a weeknight dinner or a party centerpiece—tender, juicy, and bursting with bold flavor.

Best of all, they’re easy to make in a slow cooker with minimal prep.

Whether piled high on tacos or served over rice, carnitas bring the fiesta every time.

 

Authentic Mexican Recipes Crispy Shredded Pork Easy Taco Recipes Meal Prep Proteins Mexican Pulled Pork Party Food Recipes Pork Carnitas Pork Carnitas Recipe Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos de Carnitas Weeknight Dinner Ideas
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
admin
  • Website

Related Posts

Slow Cooker Beef with Mashed Potatoes – Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Chorizo Breakfast Hash – Bold, Spicy, and Hearty One-Pan Breakfast

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake – Easy Family Comfort Food

Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice – One-Pan Comfort Food Recipe

Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply
Recipe Rating




Popular Recipes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • FAQ
Copyright © 2025 The Boat Shed Kitchen. All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.