Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas

Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas

To live life is to eat tacos. Words spoken by a wise t-shirt.

I love Vietnamese food but once in a while I love me a good taco. What better way to enjoy tacos than making it yourself in a slow cooker and forgetting it for a few hours?

This pork carnitas recipe is made in a slow cooker for juicy, tender and flavorful Mexican pulled pork. They are perfect for tacos, tostadas, burritos, quesadillas, sandwiches and salads ...pretty much anything that could use a little porky goodness.

Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas

Carnitas are made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt). The pork is seasoned with oregano, cumin and chili powder then popped into the slow cooker to slowly braise in its own fat for about 4 hours. Once the pork is done braising, I shred it then fry it in a pan to caramelize the outside and to get those yummy crispy edges. For my tacos, I serve them in a corn tortilla and top it with cilantro, onions, tomatoes, a fresh squeeze of lime and homemade pickled Mexican jalapenos. Three words. Nom, nom, nom. It's a delicious easy family meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas

Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas

12 servings

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder/butt (trim off excess fat)
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 small onion (slice)
• 3 garlic cloves (peel and smash)
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Marinate pork shoulder with oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, chili powder and cinnamon.
2. Add pork to a slow cooker. Add water, onion, garlic and bay leaf.
3. Cook on high for 4 hours.
4. Remove from cooker and chop into small pieces against the grain.
5. Brown the pork in a large skillet with a bit of oil from the slow cooker. Serve with flour or corn tortillas, salsa and pickled jalapenos.