Crispy Roasted Pork Recipe: Easy Mexican Slow Cooker Carnitas

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: pork loin

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Pork loin is leaner while chicken thighs provide a budget-friendly protein option.

orange juice

🥗Healthier: fresh orange juice

💰Cheaper: citrus juice blend

Fresh juice enhances flavor, while blends are often cheaper.

corn tortillas

🥗Healthier: whole wheat tortillas

💰Cheaper: flour tortillas

Whole wheat offers more fiber, while flour tortillas are often less expensive.

Start with a pork shoulder, about 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs).

Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder if necessary.

Season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.

Cover the pork with the spice blend completely.

Add the juice of one lemon over the seasoned pork.

Place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours until the meat is tender.

Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.

Reserve the cooking liquid for later use, as it can be delicious and nutrient-dense.

Crisp the shredded pork in a skillet with some of the reserved fat or lard until the edges are crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: