Name: Classic Carnitas (Slow Cooker)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican cuisine
Ingredients: 4 lb pork shoulder (cut into 2-inch chunks); 0.5 cup lard (or vegetable oil); 1 pcs orange (halved); 0.5 cup milk; 4 pcs garlic cloves (peeled); 2 pcs bay leaves; 1 tsp cumin (ground); 1 tsp dried oregano (mexican preferred); 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 cup chicken broth

Shredded pork carnitas, glistening with rendered fat, are piled high in a rustic ceramic bowl, garnished with finely chopped cilantro and slivers of white onion, evoking a comforting and authentic culinary experience.

Classic DishCarnitas

Prep: 15 min • Cook: 480 min. Tender, succulent slow-cooked pork carnitas made easily in a slow cooker, then crisped under the broiler for that authentic texture. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a main dish.

Preparation time: 15 min
Cooking time: 8 hrs
Total time: 8 hrs 15 min
Servings: 6

Instructions

Slow Cook

1Place the pork shoulder chunks in the slow cooker.
2Add the lard, orange halves, milk, garlic cloves, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
3Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.

Crisp

1Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker, reserving the cooking liquid. Shred the pork using two forks.
2Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil.
3Spread the shredded pork in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4Drizzle some of the reserved cooking liquid over the pork (about 1/4 cup).
5Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the carnitas are crispy and caramelized, turning once halfway through.

Serve

1Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, or as desired.

Instructions

Slow Cook

1Place the pork shoulder chunks in the slow cooker.
2Add the lard, orange halves, milk, garlic cloves, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
3Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.

Crisp

1Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker, reserving the cooking liquid. Shred the pork using two forks.
2Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil.
3Spread the shredded pork in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4Drizzle some of the reserved cooking liquid over the pork (about 1/4 cup).
5Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the carnitas are crispy and caramelized, turning once halfway through.

Serve

1Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, or as desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 40 g
Carbs: 5 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	40 g
Carbs	5 g

Tips

For extra flavor, lightly brown the pork chunks in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
Ensure pork chunks are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for an authentic touch.