Mexican pulled pork braised until tender and then crisped under the broiler
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
8h 15mEasy
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
8 hr
Total Time
8 hr 15 min
Servings
10
10 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
Mexican pulled pork braised until tender and then crisped under the broiler
Tender, juicy pork shoulder braised in the slow cooker with citrus and spices, then broiled until the edges get golden and crispy.
15m
Prep Time
480m
Cook Time
495m
Total Time
10
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Carnitas are the Mexican answer to pulled pork, and the slow cooker is the perfect tool for the job. A pork shoulder braises for hours in its own juices with orange, lime, garlic, and cumin until it is fall-apart tender. The final step — spreading the shredded meat on a sheet pan and broiling it — is what makes carnitas carnitas. Those crispy, golden edges are non-negotiable.
Serve them in warm tortillas with simple toppings — onion, cilantro, salsa, lime — and you have one of the best things you can eat.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 onion, quartered
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Warm tortillas for serving
- Diced onion and cilantro for serving
- Salsa for serving
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 generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
- 2
Place the pork, onion, garlic, bay leaves, orange juice, and lime juice in the slow cooker.
- 3
Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is falling apart.
- 4
Shred the pork with two forks and toss with some of the braising liquid.
- 5
Spread the shredded pork on a sheet pan and broil for 5 to 7 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- 6
Serve in warm tortillas with onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime wedges.
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
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Save the braising liquid — it is liquid gold for reheating leftovers.
Do not skip the broiling step; it is what makes carnitas special.
These freeze exceptionally well for easy future meals.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 10 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein32g
Carbohydrates4g
Fat22g
Fiber0g
Sugar2g
Sodium420mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
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.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.
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