{"id":6490,"date":"2021-03-12T00:43:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-12T00:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.howtocook.recipes\/?p=6490"},"modified":"2026-01-16T16:51:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T16:51:26","slug":"authentic-carnitas-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.howtocook.recipes\/authentic-carnitas-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Authentic Carnitas Recipe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re feeding a crowd or just want to treat your tastebuds to full-on Mexican flavors, this slow cooker carnitas recipe<\/strong> is the one for you. My kids cheer and love this carnitas taco recipe, making sure to make one for their dad too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Carnitas Recipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You know what I love about this best carnitas recipe? It\u2019s so easy. Sometimes I will set it up on a Sunday morning so it\u2019s ready for dinner at night. Other times, I make it in the morning on a weekday so we have a healthy and wholesome dinner to come home to. Whenever you make it you\u2019ll realize it\u2019s a keeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easy Carnitas Recipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This pork carnitas recipe takes very little time to prep. Just 15 minutes and then it can go in your slow cooker. It\u2019s best to use the low setting for 10 hours but if you\u2019re in a hurry, you can put it on high for 7 hours. You have delicious slow cooker pork tacos served up with very little work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Carnitas<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carnitas Ingredients
<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Pork shoulder<\/strong> \u2013 this tough meat is rendered tender by your slow cooker to fall apart with a fork and melt in your mouth. Its the perfect cut of meat for Mexican pulled pork.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Garlic and onions<\/strong> \u2013 these pungent aromatics add flavor deep in the meat and really enhance this pulled pork taco recipe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Jalapenos<\/strong> \u2013 gotta have a little kick of spice in there.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Orange juice<\/strong> \u2013 the sweet secret that helps your meat become tender, juicy, and just a bit citrusy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Carnitas seasoning rub<\/strong> \u2013 with olive oil plus dried oregano and cumin, this imparts those Mexican flavors you love.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"Easy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you Make Authentic Mexican Carnitas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • This slow cooker carnitas recipe is super easy. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • After patting the meat dry, you\u2019ll add salt and pepper. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Then you\u2019ll make the rub and rub it all over the meat. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Put it in the slow cooker with the fat facing you, then throw in the onion, garlic, and jalapeno. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Pour the orange juice in and voila! It\u2019s ready to turn on in the slow cooker. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • After cooking time, you will shred it using 2 forks. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You can crisp it up in batches, frying in a nonstick skillet with a little oil over high. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Adding the juices in as you do will let it crisp up just slightly, imparting more flavor and texture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n

      Don’t trust people that dislike tacos…they’re probably not human.
      Anonymous<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

      \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Carnitas Every Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Use tough cuts of meat<\/strong>. Pork shoulder is traditional for carnitas. It becomes super-tender when slow-cooked. Don\u2019t choose a tenderloin for this as it will become chewy and unbearable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Don\u2019t skip browning<\/strong>! If you\u2019ve tried making crockpot carnitas before, the reason they didn\u2019t taste amazing was because you didn\u2019t brown them. Yes, it\u2019s an added step but it doesn\u2019t take long and the results are amazing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How do you cook real carnitas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Simply follow this slow cooker pork carnitas recipe for real carnitas. It\u2019s all in the seasonings, slow cooking, and the finishing over the stove!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What is the difference between pulled pork and carnitas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        While both are slow cooked for hours, pulled pork tends to have a BBQ flavor. Also, for true authentic flavor, carnitas are supposed to be finished on the stove so they crisp up a little. Think of carnitas as Mexican slow cooker pulled pork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What is the best cut of meat for pork carnitas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Pork shoulder is the absolute best for carnitas. It\u2019s fatty and tough, but as you slow cook it, the fat melts into the meat, making it perfect for pork carnitas tacos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Can you put raw pork in a slow cooker?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Of course you can! That\u2019s how this recipe works. Simply rub the meat with the seasonings, add in the aromatics and juice, put on the lid, and set the time and temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How do you keep carnitas moist?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        You should keep them in the juices that render from the cooking process. When storing it, make sure you reserve those juices. They will prevent it from drying out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What temperature do I cook pork carnitas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Pork carnitas in a crock pot will surely be done after 10 hours of slow and low cooking in your slow cooker. To be on the safe side, a thermometer reading of 145F internally means they are done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How Long to Cook Carnitas in a Slow Cooker<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        It\u2019s best to go with a low and slow cook on this, so I recommend setting your slow cooker to low for 10 hours. But you can use high if you\u2019d prefer for 7 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What can I make with carnitas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Perhaps a better question would be what you can\u2019t make! Carnitas allows you to make everything from pulled pork tacos to burritos and beyond. Top it on pizzas, add it to rice and beans for a bowl, enchiladas, flautas, quesadillas, nachos, and more. The possibilities are endless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What goes with Pork Carnitas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Pork carnitas meat is very versatile. You can use it for Mexican pork tacos, making chipotle bowls, enchiladas, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, sliders, Mexican pizzas, even toss it on a salad. Serve with plenty of guacamole and Pico de Gallo for a truly spectacular meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What toppings go on carnitas tacos?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Carnitas tacos are some of the best. You should top them with onions (red or white), jalapeno, shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, cotija, lime juice, crema, and guacamole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Why are my carnitas tough?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        You didn\u2019t cook them long enough. This is why I say slow and low when it comes to cooking. Put it in your slow cooker on low for 10 hours and you will have tender, juicy meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"Homemade<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to Store Carnitas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Your carnitas need to be refrigerated when you\u2019re finished eating. Let it cool and store it in an airtight container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How Long Does Carnitas Last?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Better hurry up and use those pork carnitas up. They will last up to 3 days in the fridge. If you\u2019ve made a monstrous portion, you can freeze it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Can You Freeze Carnitas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Pork carnitas are one of my favorite things to freeze because I can stash them for future use. Make sure they\u2019re sealed airtight and with a little bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. It will last up to 3 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to Reheat Carnitas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Take it out the night before from the freezer and put it in your fridge. By dinner time, it will have thawed enough to reheat on the stovetop. If there\u2019s not enough liquid, you can add some water or broth to keep the meat from drying out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        Watch How To Make Carnitas (Video)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n