Crispy Pork Carnitas in Slow Cooker with Orange Lime Recipe

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: pork tenderloin

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Pork tenderloin is leaner, while pork butt is often less expensive.

lard

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is budget-friendly.

Mix together 1 cup of chicken stock and 1/4 cup of lime juice in a bowl.

Juice 3 small limes into the bowl.

Optional: Zest one lime before juicing for a stronger lime flavor.

Add 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1 tbsp of orange zest to the bowl.

Set the wet mixture aside.

Peel 5 cloves of garlic and mince them using a garlic press.

Dice half of a white or yellow onion.

Mix together a dry rub with 1 tbsp of cumin, 1 tbsp of oregano, and 1 tbsp of paprika.

Season the pork butt with coarse sea salt on all sides and add some black pepper.

Sprinkle the dry rub over the pork and pat it in to cover all sides.

Pour 2 tsp of avocado oil into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker, turning it sideways for more surface area.

Pour the wet mixture over the pork, then spread the minced garlic and diced onion on top.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours until the pork can be shredded easily.

Halfway through cooking, cut the pork in half and tilt the pieces down into the juice to help it cook faster.

Check the pork with a meat thermometer; it should reach between 200 and 205°F, or poke it with a fork to see if it shreds easily.

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board to shred with two forks, removing any fatty parts.

Spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Broil the pork in the oven on the top rack for about 2 minutes to crisp the edges.

After 2 minutes, move the meat around and broil for another 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

After a total of 3 minutes in the broiler, remove the pork and spoon over some of the sauce from the slow cooker and some cooked onions.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pork before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary