Citrusy shredded pork crisped after slow cooking
Paleo Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Carnitas
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
8 hr
Total Time
8 hr 15 min
Servings
8
8 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Paleo Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Carnitas
Citrusy shredded pork crisped after slow cooking
Slow-cooked pork shoulder with orange, lime, garlic, and cumin, shredded and crisped for taco bowls, lettuce wraps, or straight-up carnitas plates.
15m
Prep Time
480m
Cook Time
495m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Carnitas are one of the best slow cooker payoffs because the hands-on work stays minimal but the result feels like real weekend food. Crisping the pork after shredding is what makes it taste like carnitas instead of plain pulled pork.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp kosher salt
PrecisionUtility
Test Kitchen Pick
Slow Cooker
Helpful Tool
Why a slow cooker helps here
This dish is mostly about giving the ingredients enough time. A dependable slow cooker makes that hands-off part much easier to repeat.
The easiest win here is steady low heat without needing to hover over the pot.
- Keeps cooking low and steady
- Makes prep-ahead dinners easier
If you like batch cooking or low-effort dinners, this is one of the most reusable tools you can buy.
Shop slow cooker options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Season the pork with the cumin, oregano, and salt and place it in the slow cooker.
- 2
Pour over the orange and lime juice and add the garlic.
- 3
Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork shreds easily.
- 4
Shred the pork and spread it on a sheet pan with some of the cooking juices.
- 5
Broil or roast at high heat until the edges crisp, then serve.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Substitutions
Orange juiceMore lime plus a little water
Orange gives the classic sweet citrus note, but lime-only still works
OreganoMexican oregano or marjoram
Any of those dried herbs fit the profile well
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not skip the crisping step if you want true carnitas texture.
The pork is excellent in lettuce wraps, grain-free bowls, or breakfast hashes.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet or hot oven so the edges crisp again.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 8 servings
Calories410
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein29g
Carbohydrates4g
Fat30g
Fiber0g
Sugar2g
Sodium520mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pork loin?
- It is much leaner and will not give you the same lush texture. Shoulder is strongly preferred.
- Can I make it spicy?
- Yes. Add a chipotle or a pinch of crushed red pepper to the slow cooker.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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