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–+ servings

Carnitas

Carnitas are tender, flavorful, and juicy Mexican-style pulled pork, traditionally cooked slowly until perfectly shredded and served in tacos or burritos.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pork
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder cut into large chunks
Spices
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
Aromatics
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 oranges orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 lime lime juice freshly squeezed
Liquid
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Method
 

Prepare the Pork
  1. Season the pork shoulder chunks with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker.
Add Aromatics
  1. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
Cook
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
Shred the Pork
  1. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  2. Optional: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and crisp the shredded pork for added texture.
Serve
  1. Serve the carnitas in tacos, burritos, or over rice with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 25gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Carnitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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