HOW TO MAKE DELICIOUS PORK CARNITAS IN A CROCKPOT

Marcy Inspired

In this recipe, Marcy Inspired demonstrates how to make delicious pork carnitas in a crockpot, offering a healthier twist on the traditional version that’s usually cooked in lots of lard. This method retains all the rich flavors without the extra fat, making it an easy and tasty option for home cooks.

Video

Print Recipe

Course Appetizer

Cuisine New Mexican

Ingredients

2 ½ lbs. pork butt/shoulder, cut into chucks & excess fat trimmed
2 tsp. kosher salt or to taste
4-5 garlic cloves cut into halves
2 - 3 tsp. red chile powder
1 tsp. dried Mexican oregano
1 tsp. black pepper
1 large orange
2 small limes
1 cup of cola of your choice Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, etc.
2 bay leaves

Instructions

Season cut pieces of pork meat with salt, chile powder, oregano and black pepper. Massage spices into the meat. Place in large ziplock bag, and add garlic. Cut orange in half and squeeze in orange juice. Drop orange peel into bag, as well.
Cut lime into wedges and squeeze lime juice into bag. Drop in lime peel, as well. Seal bag securely (removing air) and squish around so that pork meat is well coated. Place in refrigerator to marinate overnight.
The next morning, transfer entire content of ziplock bag into crockpot. Pour in 1 cup of cola, and add two bay leaves. Cover and let cook on Low 8 to 10 hours, or on High 4 to 6 hours. (Whether you cook on Low or on High, I recommend the longest amount of time for the most tender outcome.) After predetermined amount of time, check to see if meat easily falls apart.
If it does, remove from crockpot, but reserve remaining liquid for later. Shred pork meat using two forks and place on baking sheet. Bake at 375º for 25 to 30 minutes so that carnitas get crispy on the outside. Remove from oven and pour additional liquid that was left in crockpot on top. Serve and enjoy immediately.