Savor the rich flavors of our Tender Temptation: Slow Cooker Spicy Pork Carnitas. This dish is a marvel of slow cooking, where pork is transformed into irresistibly tender, flavorful bites with a spicy twist. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoyed on its own, these carnitas promise a fiesta of flavors in every mouthful!
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: Approximately 150 g (5.3 oz)
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for added heat
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Season Pork: Season pork chunks with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Layer Ingredients: In the slow cooker, place onions and garlic at the bottom. Add seasoned pork on top.
- Add Citrus Juices: Pour orange and lime juices over the pork.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred and Serve: Remove pork from the slow cooker, shred with forks, and serve as desired.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Browning for Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, brown the pork chunks in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Citrus Balance: Adjust the amount of orange and lime juice according to your taste preference.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but low and slow yields the most tender results.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Pork butt or Boston butt also works well for carnitas.