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Mains · Mexican

Pork Carnitas

Citrus-and-spice braised pork shoulder, shredded and crisped for tacos, bowls, and burritos.

Serves
8
Prep
15 min
Cook
8 hr
Storage
Freeze & reheat
Freezer
up to 3 months

Bright, citrusy shredded pork that crisps under the broiler for the best of both textures. As freezer-friendly as pulled pork and endlessly useful in Mexican-leaning meals.

Ingredients

  • 4 lb pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • Juice of 1 orange and 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Combine everything in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 8 hours until fork-tender.
  3. Shred the pork, spread it on a sheet pan, and broil 3–5 minutes for crispy edges.
  4. Spoon some of the cooking juices back over before serving.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Freeze shredded in its juices up to 3 months; vacuum-seals well. Reheat from the bag or thaw and microwave, then crisp under the broiler if you want the edges back.

Notes

Great in tacos, burrito bowls, or over rice. No cilantro, per the household rules — a squeeze of extra lime brightens it instead.

Equipment
slow cookersheet pan (to crisp)
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