HOW TO MAKE DELICIOUS PORK CARNITAS IN A CROCKPOT: Healthier Without Sacrificing on Flavor

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 usually cheaper.

Season cut pieces of pork meat with salt, chile powder, oregano, and black pepper. Massage spices into the meat.

Place in large ziplock bag, and add garlic.

Cut orange in half and squeeze in orange juice. Drop orange peel into bag, as well.

Cut lime into wedges and squeeze lime juice into bag. Drop in lime peel, as well.

Seal bag securely (removing air) and squish around so that pork meat is well coated. Place in refrigerator to marinate overnight.

Transfer entire content of ziplock bag into crockpot.

Pour in 1 cup of cola and add two bay leaves.

Cover and let cook on Low 8 to 10 hours, or on High 4 to 6 hours.

After predetermined amount of time, check to see if meat easily falls apart. If it does, remove from crockpot, but reserve remaining liquid for later.

Shred pork meat using two forks and place on baking sheet.

Bake at 375º for 25 to 30 minutes so that carnitas get crispy on the outside.

Remove from oven and pour additional liquid that was left in crockpot on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary