Simply Crockpot • Pork
These crockpot pork carnitas are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Slow cooked with citrus and warm spices until fall-apart tender, this easy recipe is perfect for tacos, bowls, wraps, or simple meal prep throughout the week. IngredientsInstructionsTipsStorageFAQ
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-tender pork with bold, citrusy flavor.
- Minimal prep with simple pantry spices.
- Perfect for tacos, bowls, salads, and wraps.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
Ingredient notes:
• Pork shoulder is ideal for shredding.
• Citrus adds brightness and balances richness.
• Adjust spices to taste if you prefer mild or bold.
Instructions
- Season pork with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
- Add sliced onion and garlic to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the pork on top of the onions.
- Pour orange juice, lime juice, and broth over the pork.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours.
- Shred pork with two forks and stir to coat in the juices.
Optional: For crispy edges, broil shredded pork for 5–8 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For tacos: Serve with tortillas, onion, and cilantro.
- For bowls: Pair with rice, beans, and avocado.
- For crispier texture: Broil briefly after shredding.
- For extra flavor: Finish with fresh lime juice.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently with cooking juices.
FAQ
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s more flavorful than spicy. You can reduce or increase chili powder as needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—this recipe reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.
What cuts of pork work best?
Pork shoulder or pork butt are best for tender, shreddable carnitas.
More Easy Crockpot Pork Recipes
Looking for more simple and satisfying slow cooker pork meals? Browse our full collection of crockpot pork recipes. Browse Crockpot Pork →