Best 2 Slow Cooked Carnitas Recipes

Carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish, is a flavorful and succulent meat that can be easily prepared in a slow cooker. This cooking method allows the pork to become fall-apart tender while infusing it with a symphony of spices and herbs. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering feast that is perfect for any occasion.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SLOW-COOKED CARNITAS

Slow-Cooked Carnitas image

Simmer up succulent pork the slow-cooker way. Sometimes, instead of using tortillas, I put the seasoned meat on top of shredded lettuce for a tasty salad. -Lisa Glogow, Aliso Viejo, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 6h20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (3 to 4 pounds)
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1-1/2 cups minced fresh cilantro
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup tequila or additional chicken broth
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
12 flour tortillas (8 inches) or corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
Fresh cilantro leaves, sliced red onion and chopped tomatoes, optional

Steps:

Cut roast in half; place in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with the garlic, oil, salt and pepper. Add the onions, cilantro, salsa, broth, tequila and chiles. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender. , Remove meat; cool slightly. Shred with 2 forks and return to the slow cooker; heat through. Spoon about 2/3 cup meat mixture onto each tortilla; serve with toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 363 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 615mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

SLOW-COOKED CARNITAS TACOS

Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos image

Provided by Amy Finley

Categories Slow Cooker Kid-Friendly High Fiber Cinco de Mayo Dinner Pork Rib Winter Poker/Game Night Healthy Party Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Small Plates

Yield servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs or pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
1/2 large onion, cut into 4 pieces
1 avocado, halved, pitted, sliced
Fresh cilantro sprigs
Sliced red bell peppers (optional)
Corn tortillas
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Steps:

Toss pork in bowl of slow cooker with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to coat. Place onion pieces atop pork. Cover slow cooker and cook pork on low setting until meat is very tender and falling apart, about 6 hours.
Using slotted spoon, transfer pork to cutting board. Discard onion pieces. Using fingers, shred pork; transfer carnitas to platter. Place avocado slices, cilantro sprigs, and sliced red bell peppers, if desired, alongside. Wrap corn tortillas in damp kitchen towel; microwave until warm, about 1 minute. Serve carnitas with warm tortillas and tomatillo salsa.

Tips:

Choose the right cut of pork: Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best cuts for carnitas, as they have a good amount of fat that will render and make the meat tender and flavorful.
Use a slow cooker: A slow cooker is the best way to cook carnitas, as it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly. This will result in tender, juicy carnitas that fall apart easily.
Add plenty of flavor: Carnitas are traditionally seasoned with a mixture of Mexican spices, such as chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano. You can also add other spices and herbs to taste, such as paprika, chipotle powder, or adobo sauce.
Cook the carnitas until they are fall-apart tender: This will usually take 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high in a slow cooker. You can also cook the carnitas in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 hours, or until they are tender.
Shred the carnitas and serve: Once the carnitas are cooked, shred them with two forks or a meat shredder. Serve the carnitas with tortillas, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Conclusion:

Carnitas are a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you serve them in tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, or simply with rice and beans, carnitas are sure to be a hit. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make carnitas at home in your slow cooker. So next time you're looking for a flavorful and easy meal, give carnitas a try!