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Crockpot Carnitas

Enjoy rich and tender carnitas made effortlessly in a crockpot, perfect for tacos, burritos, or hearty meals with friends and family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the carnitas
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder Cut into large chunks
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and place them in a crockpot.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the orange juice, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour this seasoning mixture evenly over the pork.
Cooking
  1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Serving
  1. Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks directly in the pot.
  2. Serve in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the pork in a skillet for a few minutes before putting it in the crockpot. You can use different cuts of pork, such as pork butt or pork loin, or try adding different citrus juices for a unique twist. Leftover juice from the crockpot can be drizzled over the shredded pork for added moisture.