Juicy & Flavorful Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas

The Juicy Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas are perfect for any night of the week! Make the carnitas into a taco, burrito or a carnita bowl.

Ingredients For the Juicy Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas

There are two recipe versions for the pork carnitas. I couldn’t decide what recipe to share, so I thought, why not share them both?! Review the ingredient lists below to determine which recipe you prefer.

Version 1

• Pork shoulder, garlic, black pepper, oregano, salt, Worcestershire sauce, honey and water.

Version 2

• Pork shoulder, garlic, coconut aminos, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey and water.

Both versions create delicious carnitas. However, if you’re looking for a sweeter pork carnita, the second version will be the way to go.

How to Make the Pork Carnitas

There are four simple steps to creating this juicy recipe. First, trim the fat off the pork shoulder, then rinse and pat it dry. Sear the pork shoulder in a cast iron until it browns on both sides, then add it to the slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients for the version you choose. Cover and cook on a low heat setting for 8-9 hours, or high heat setting for 4-5 hours. The pork will shred apart easily with two forks when done.

Lastly, if you prefer crispier pork, transfer the pork onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper after it has cooked in the slow cooker. Broil the pork for 5-10 minutes on high heat or until the pork begins to crisp. I prefer this method as it is quick and easy to clean-up. However, you can also transfer the pork into a non-stick pan or cast iron and sear until crispy.

What Should I Pair Add to the Carnitas?

You may create tacos, burritos, or bowls with the pork carnitas, adding bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, avocado, rice, cilantro, and salsa. Serve the pork carnitas with the Fresh & Easy Guacamole as an appetizer and The Refreshing Classic Lime Margarita as the beverage. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Juicy Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas

The Juicy Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas are perfect for any night of the week! Make carnitas into a taco, burrito or a carnita bowl.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time8 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time8 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

Version 1

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt) pasture raised
• 3 teaspoon garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup water

Version 2

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt) pasture raised
• 3 teaspoon garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup water

Instructions

Instructions for both versions of the Juicy Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas

• Trim the fat off the pork shoulder, then rinse and pat it dry.
• Sear the pork shoulder in a cast iron until it browns on both sides, add it to the slow cooker.
• Add all ingredients for the version of the Juicy Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas you decide to make into the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on a low heat setting for 8-9 hours, or high heat setting for 4-5 hours. Pork should shred apart easily with two forks when it is done.

If you prefer a crispier pork, follow these instructions

• Transfer pork onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Broil the pork for 5-10 minutes on high heat or until the pork begins to crisp.
• Serve as a taco, burrito, or bowl adding all your favorite toppings. Enjoy!