Easy Crock Pot Pork Carnitas
Easy crock pot pork carnitas recipe, carnitas de puerco, is super simple and makes mealtime easy. Perfect on tacos or in burritos!
Equipment
- baking sheet with sides
- chef's knife
- crock pot
- cutting board
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- oven optional
- small mixing bowl
- zester tool
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon zest of medium orange
- 1/4 cup juice from medium orange
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons citrus salt (or sea salt) Badia is the brand of citrus salt in my store
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 3 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoon paprika for color and smoky flavor
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon ground ancho chili powder
- 7 lbs pork shoulder fat trimmed and cut into quarters
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 8 garlic cloves, pressed
Instructions
Just A Few Simple Steps...
- Orange Zest. Zest orange, add to small mixing bowl.1 Tablespoon zest of medium orange
- Orange Juice. Juice orange and add to crockpot. I find the best way to get the most juice is to first give the orange a roll against the counter or cutting board, pressing gently as you roll it under your hands. Then, cut open the orange. Palm the orange in your hand and run a fork along the walls of the orange to mash up the inside pulp and release the juice.1/4 cup juice from medium orange
- Broth. Pour chicken broth into the crockpot (do this before you put the shoulder in so the liquid doesn’t wash off the rub).1 cup chicken broth
- Spices and Seasonings. Add the spices, salt and oregano to the zest and mix to create a rub.2 teaspoons citrus salt (or sea salt), 3 teaspoons onion powder, 3 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoon paprika, 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoon ground ancho chili powder
- Pork Shoulder. Cut the shoulder into smaller pieces, at least 4 chunks, unless it fits comfortably into your crockpot. Be careful as you cut the meat. There should be a bone in the middle which you will be able to see from at least one end. Cut around the bone. The pieces don't have to be pretty. After cutting, pat the pieces dry. Rub each piece on all sides with the rub.7 lbs pork shoulder
- Onion and Garlic. Peel and quarter the onion. Peel the garlic and press it with a garlic press.1 medium onion, quartered, 8 garlic cloves, pressed
- Into the Pot. Place the meat, onions and pressed garlic cloves in the crockpot. Cook on high, 7-8 hours until the meat easily breaks apart.7 lbs pork shoulder
- Shred. Remove meat from the crockpot, separating it into ‘shredded’ pork, removing fat and any bones.
- Broil. After separating the meat, you can place it on a baking sheet, pouring some of the juice over top (1-1/2 cups) and place it under a broiler for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on this so it doesn’t burn. The goal is to get a little toast, but not dry out the meat. I usually don’t bother with this extra step.
How To Serve...
- Tortillas. I like to grill flour tortillas over the stove top (gas flame) just until both sides have a light char.
- Tasty Toppers. Top with all your favorites – tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, onions or keep it really simple with diced white onion, torn cilantro leaves and fresh squeezed lime juice.