Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Introduction
Crispy slow cooker carnitas offer a perfect blend of tenderness and flavor, making them an ideal dish for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoyed on their own. This method allows the meat to cook slowly, infusing the flavors deeply while ensuring it becomes perfectly tender. Once cooked, a quick broil creates a crispy crust that takes these carnitas to the next level. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation details to savor this delightful dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pork shoulder – 3 to 4 pounds
Salt – 2 teaspoons
Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
Cumin – 1 tablespoon
Chili powder – 2 teaspoons
Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
Onion – 1 large, diced
Orange – 1, juiced
Lime – 1, juiced
Bay leaves – 2
Cilantro – for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, seasoning the pork, and placing everything in the slow cooker.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 8 hours on low or 5 hours on high in the slow cooker. The total time, including prep, is approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes. This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or gathering. The combination of spices and slow cooking leads to flavorful, juicy carnitas that everyone will love.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Pork
Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks to ensure even cooking.
Season the Meat
In a bowl, mix together the spices: cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork chunks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the diced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will act as a flavorful base for the carnitas.
Add the Pork to the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned pork chunks on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
Add Citrus Juice
Squeeze the juice of oranges and a lime over the pork. The acidity will help tenderize the meat and add flavor.
Cook the Pork
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. The pork is done when it is fork-tender.
Shred the Meat
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Broil for Crispiness
Preheat the broiler. Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and drizzle with some of the cooking juices. Broil for 5-10 minutes until the edges are crispy.
Serve
Serve the crispy carnitas in tacos, burritos, or bowls with your favorite toppings like cilantro, onions, and lime.
Notes
Leftovers
Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Alternate Cooking Methods
You can also prepare these carnitas in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop if you prefer a quicker cooking method.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the amount of spices based on your taste preferences for more or less heat.
Serving Suggestions
Consider pairing the carnitas with side dishes such as Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking carnitas allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful as it cooks low and slow, inviting spices and juices to infuse the meat.
Shredding
Once cooked, shredding the pork with two forks creates the desired texture for carnitas, making it easy to incorporate into tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Crispy Finishing
After slow cooking, spreading the shredded meat on a baking sheet and broiling it helps achieve that signature crispy texture on the edges, enhancing the overall flavor.
Using Citrus
Adding lime and orange juice during cooking not only helps in tenderizing the meat but also infuses it with a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the dish.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook carnitas in a slow cooker?
Carnitas typically take about 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high in a slow cooker.
Can I use other cuts of meat?
Yes, while pork shoulder is commonly used, you can also use other cuts like pork butt or even chicken for a different flavor profile.
What can I serve with carnitas?
Carnitas are versatile and can be served with tortillas, in tacos, burritos, salads, or even over rice.
Can I freeze leftover carnitas?
Absolutely! Leftover carnitas freeze well. Store them in an airtight container and they can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
How do I store cooked carnitas?
Cooked carnitas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can last for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
Enjoying crispy slow-cooker carnitas allows you to experience a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. The slow cooking method ensures that the pork is tender and infused with spices, while finishing it under high heat adds the necessary crispiness. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, providing a satisfying and delicious option for various occasions.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Tacos Al Pastor
Combine your carnitas with pineapple and cilantro for a fresh take on traditional tacos.
Nachos Supreme
Top a bed of tortilla chips with crispy carnitas, cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Pork Burrito Bowl
Create a burrito bowl featuring carnitas, rice, beans, avocado, and fresh salsa for a hearty meal.
Carnitas Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with cheese and crispy carnitas, then grill until golden for a delightful cheesy treat.
Stuffed Peppers
Use carnitas as a filling for bell peppers, combined with quinoa or rice, for a nutritious and filling dish.
