Best 9 Slow Cooked Carnitas Tacos Recipes

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Are you craving juicy, tender carnitas tacos that will tantalize your taste buds? Our guide will take you on a culinary adventure, helping you create mouthwatering carnitas tacos in the comfort of your own kitchen. Using a slow cooker, we will transform ordinary pork shoulder into fall-off-the-bone carnitas, infused with aromatic spices and citrus flavors. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you prefer traditional carnitas tacos or want to experiment with different toppings, this article has everything you need to craft a taco experience like no other. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a journey to taco heaven!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SLOW-COOKED CARNITAS TACOS



Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos image

This is a gem of a recipe I found in the April 2008 issue of bon appetit magazine. I haven't tried it yet but will very soon.

Provided by Happy Hippie

Categories     Pork

Time 6h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 lbs country-style pork ribs, cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces (or pork shoulder)
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 stem, fresh
1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
corn tortilla
tomatillo salsa, roasted (to be posted)

Steps:

  • Toss pork in bowl of slow cooker with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to coat.
  • Placed onion 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 or fork, shred pork.
  • Transfer carnitas to platter.
  • Place avocado slices, cilantro sprigs, and sliced red bell pepper, if desired, alongside.
  • Wrap corn tortillas in damp kitchen towel; microwave until warm, about one minute.
  • Serve carnitas with warm tortillas and tomatillo salsa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 639.1, Fat 49.9, SaturatedFat 15.8, Cholesterol 156.5, Sodium 1298.9, Carbohydrate 7.2, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 1.2, Protein 39.9

SLOW-COOKER PORK CARNITAS



Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas image

This easy and delicious slow-cooker recipe will impress any taco lover. While it's an extra step, crisping up the shredded meat in a skillet before serving adds extra flavor and creates the crunchy bits that are typical of carnitas. And don't skip the pickled red onions! They complement the richness of the pork.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Juice of 2 oranges
Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Small pinch ground cloves
Kosher salt
1 medium white onion, quartered
6 cloves garlic, peeled
2 bay leaves
3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, fat trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup lard
Soft corn tortillas, for serving
Cilantro leaves, for serving
Sliced jalapenos, for serving
Pickled red onions, recipe follows
2 small red onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • Add the chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, cloves, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt to a large slow cooker and whisk to combine. Add the onion, garlic and bay leaves and stir to combine. Add the pork and toss to coat. Cover and cook on high until the meat is tender, about 5 hours.
  • Transfer the pork to a large bowl with a slotted spoon and discard the bay leaves, onion, and garlic. Shred the pork into bite-size pieces with 2 forks, leaving some larger chunks, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the lard in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the shredded pork and press down into an even layer with a spatula. Cook, pressing occasionally with a spatula, until crisped and browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 2 tablespoons lard and shredded pork.
  • Serve with tortillas, cilantro, jalapenos and pickled red onions.
  • Put the sliced onions in a medium heatproof, nonreactive bowl. Put the vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, sugar, coriander and 1 tablespoon kosher salt in a small saucepan and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Pour the mixture over the red onions and set aside until cooled to room temperature. Serve at room temperature or cover and refrigerate up to 4 days.

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

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.

THE BEST SLOW COOKER CARNITAS, GREAT FOR TACOS!



The BEST Slow Cooker Carnitas, Great for Tacos! image

These carnitas cook low and slow in the Slow Cooker or Crockpot and finish on the stove for a crispy and delicious filling for tacos, burritos or nachos. This is the new taco filling for Taco Tuesday at our house. My whole crew prefers this to traditional taco filling made with ground beef or ground turkey.

Provided by sellingsavannah

Categories     Mexican

Time 6h30m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 bay leaves
1 large onion, sliced into large peices
2 cups chicken broth or 2 cups water
1 (4 -6 lb) boneless pork shoulder or 1 (4 -6 lb) boston butt
2 tablespoons canola oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Mix the kosher salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano and black pepper together in a small bowl. Coat the pork shoulder roast with the dry rub.
  • Place the sliced onion and bay leaves in the bottom of your slow cooker, lay pork shoulder roast on top. Carefully pour water or chicken broth around the roast, making sure you don't disturb the dry rub.
  • Cover and cook on Low until the pork shreds easily with a fork, about 6 hours. Turn the meat after it has cooked for 3 hours.
  • When the pork is tender, remove from slow cooker, remove and discard excess fat and shred with two forks. Reserve cooking liquid.
  • Place shredded pork into a large skillet with 1 cup of reserved cooking liquid over medium high heat, stirring occasionally. Once liquid has cooked down completely, add canola or vegetable oil. Stir occasionally for 15-20 minutes or until the meat has reached desired crispiness.
  • Serve in warm flour or corn tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. We serve ours cilantro, pickled red onions, salsa or pico de gallo, guacamole, sliced cabbage and lime wedges,.

ZESTY CARNITAS TACOS



Zesty Carnitas Tacos image

Lime juice in the crema give these tacos a good zing!

Provided by Doug

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 4h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (2 pound) boneless pork shoulder roast
½ cup chopped onion
⅓ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon cumin
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 lime, zested and juiced
2 (5.3 ounce) containers plain fat-free Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 pinch chili powder
16 (6 inch) soft yellow corn tortillas
4 leaves green cabbage, shredded
1 cup very thinly sliced red onion
1 cup pico de gallo

Steps:

  • Carnitas: Trim fat from pork. Cut pork into 2- to 3-inch pieces; transfer to a 4-quart slow cooker. Stir in onion, orange juice, cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, oregano, and cayenne.
  • Cover and cook on Low 8 to 10 hours, or on High 4 to 5 hours. Transfer pork to a large bowl; shred using 2 forks. Add enough cooking liquid from slow cooker to moisten.
  • Lime Crema: Add 2 tablespoons lime juice to a small bowl. Stir in yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Dust with chili powder.
  • Tacos: Serve pork in tortillas with cabbage, red onion, and pico de gallo (if using). Garnish with crema and lime zest.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 338.4 calories, Carbohydrate 32.5 g, Cholesterol 52.6 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 17.9 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 761.4 mg, Sugar 5.5 g

SLOW COOKER CARNITAS



Slow Cooker Carnitas image

Carnitas means 'little meats' and is traditionally fried then braised. This recipe is made much easier using the slow cooker but the results are just as tasty. This makes a great filling for tamales, enchiladas, tacos and burritos. This filling is also great combined with your favorite barbecue sauce and served on buns.

Provided by Erin Parker

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 10h10m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon crumbled dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (4 pound) boneless pork shoulder roast
2 bay leaves
2 cups chicken broth

Steps:

  • Mix together salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, and cinnamon in a bowl. Coat pork with the spice mixture. Place the bay leaves in the bottom of a slow cooker and place the pork on top. Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the pork, being careful not to rinse off the spice mixture.
  • Cover and cook on Low until the pork shreds easily with a fork, about 10 hours. Turn the meat after it has cooked for 5 hours. When the pork is tender, remove from slow cooker, and shred with two forks. Use cooking liquid as needed to moisten the meat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 222.7 calories, Carbohydrate 0.7 g, Cholesterol 73.3 mg, Fat 13.8 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 22.2 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 474.3 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

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

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.

SLOW COOKER CARNITAS RECIPE BY TASTY



Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe by Tasty image

Have you ever gone out for Mexican food, eaten carnitas, and thought "gosh, I wish I could make this myself"? Well, you can with the help of your slow cooker. Just add pork butt or shoulder to a slow cooker with citrus juice, garlic, onion, and some spices, then let it cook for about eight hours until it's tender and easy to shred with a fork. Then, you can enjoy your home-cooked carnitas in tacos, burritos, or on top of your favourite grains.

Provided by Scott Loitsch

Categories     Dinner

Time 8h10m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

4 lb boneless pork butt, or shoulder, cut into six equal pieces
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon cumin
8 cloves garlic, crushed
1 medium onion, quartered
3 leaves bay leaf
1 lime, juiced
1 large orange, juiced, save the spent halves
tortilla, taco shell
rice
1 can black beans
salsa
guacamole
sour cream
fresh cilantro
1 cup cheese

Steps:

  • Cut pork into 6 equal pieces. Add it to the slow cooker.
  • Add salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic, onion, bay leaves, lime juice and juice the orange. Add orange to the cooker as well. Mix together until the meat is well-coated.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the meat pulls apart easily.
  • Remove the pork and transfer to a foil-lined baking sheet. Shred the pork and spread across the baking sheet in a single layer.
  • Pour about 1 cup (235 ml) of the liquid remaining in the slow cooker over the shredded pork. Broil for 5-10 minutes until the meat browns and crisps along the edges.
  • Serve immediately. Great as a filling in tacos, burritos, salads, or nachos!
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 810 calories, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 48 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 72 grams, Sugar 5 grams

CARNITAS TACOS



Carnitas Tacos image

The house smells fantastic all day when I'm making this slow-cooked recipe. The tacos have so much flavor, you'd never guess they use just five ingredients. I love that they're ready when you need them at the end of the day. -Mary Wood, Maize, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 6h15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (3 to 4 pounds)
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
12 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream, optional

Steps:

  • Cut roast in half; place in a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with taco seasoning. Pour tomatoes over top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender., Remove meat from slow cooker; shred with 2 forks. Skim fat from cooking juices. Return meat to slow cooker; heat through. Using a slotted spoon, place 1/2 cup on each tortilla; top with cheese. Serve with sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 414 calories, Fat 20g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 84mg cholesterol, Sodium 789mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 28g protein.

Tips:

  • Choosing the right cut of pork is essential. Pork shoulder or pork butt is the best choice for carnitas, as it is a tough cut that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
  • Slow cooking the pork allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become fall-apart tender. You can cook the pork in a slow cooker or in a Dutch oven in the oven.
  • Seasoning the pork well is important. A combination of chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper is a good starting point.
  • Browning the pork before slow cooking adds flavor and color. You can brown the pork in a skillet or in the slow cooker.
  • Adding some liquid to the slow cooker helps to keep the pork moist. You can use water, broth, or a combination of both.
  • Cooking the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6-8 hours allows the meat to become fall-apart tender.
  • Shredding the pork with two forks is the easiest way to prepare it for tacos.
  • Serving the carnitas tacos with a variety of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro, allows your guests to customize their tacos to their liking.

Conclusion:

Slow-cooked carnitas tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a party or a weeknight dinner. By following these tips, you can make the best carnitas tacos you've ever tasted.

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