Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that has been around since the times of the Aztecs. It is a classic slow-cooked pork dish that is flavored with herbs and spices and is typically served as tacos or burritos. The dish is said to have originated in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, and has become a favorite in American restaurants and households alike.
If you’re looking to make delicious, authentic carnitas right in your own home, you’ll want to start with this easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe. This recipe is simple, but produces flavorful, tender carnitas that can be used in tacos, burritos, and more.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs. pork shoulder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 2 tablespoons of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
Equipment:
- Crockpot
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder into the crockpot and season with chili powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot.
- Pour the lime juice, orange juice, and chicken broth over the pork.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
Once the pork is cooked through, you can crisp up the carnitas by transferring them to a large skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the carnitas for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden-brown and crispy.
To serve, spoon the carnitas onto warm tortillas, top with your favorite garnishes such as diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. For an added kick of spice, you can also top the tacos with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Enjoy!
Making carnitas at home is easy and the results are delicious. This Crockpot Carnitas Recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Serve the carnitas with warm tortillas, your favorite garnishes, and an optional drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. Enjoy!
Need a bevvy pairing? You can’t go wrong with this mezcal margarita recipe.