# Pork Carnitas Recipe
This Pork Carnitas Recipe is exceptionally simple to prepare, featuring succulent pieces of pork that are slow-cooked in citrus, spices, and garlic until moist. A quick broil at the finish provides those delicious crispy edges, making it ideal for serving in tortillas with your favorite toppings like [homemade guacamole](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/best-guacamole-recipe-easy/) or [pineapple salsa](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/pineapple-salsa/).
## Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Pork Carnitas Recipe
**Flavor**: These tacos boast a vibrant, tangy citrus taste harmonized with warm spices and savory garlic, crowned with rich, crispy edges.
**Why Make It**: Pork shoulder becomes incredibly juicy and tender in the slow cooker. The broiler provides a restaurant-quality crispy texture without any additional frying.
**Serving Suggestions**: Serve it piled high in warm tortillas, ladled over [burrito bowls](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/chipotle-burrito-bowl/), or incorporated into taco salads or [cheesy nachos](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/easy-cheesy-nachos/).
## Ingredient Notes
– **Pork Shoulder**: Pork shoulder is the prime cut for carnitas due to its marbling that keeps the meat juicy and tender during lengthy cooking. Pork butt is also an excellent alternative.
– **Oranges**: Fresh orange juice contributes natural sweetness while the peel adds a lively citrus fragrance. Opt for fresh oranges instead of bottled juice for the best taste.
– **Seasoning**: A straightforward mix of chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano complements the citrus beautifully. A bay leaf is optional, but it enhances the depth of flavor in the cooking liquid.
– **Variations**:
– Toss a jalapeño into the slow cooker for a bit of heat.
– Substitute a splash of beer for some of the orange juice.
– Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika.
## How To Make Carnitas
1. Season and sear the pork.
2. Add it to the slow cooker alongside the other ingredients.
3. Slow cook, then shred into large pieces (full recipe below).
4. Spread it on a baking sheet, ladle a bit of cooking liquid over, and broil.
Top with this [homemade pico de gallo](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/easy-pico-de-gallo/), [pickled red onions](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/pickled-red-onions/), cotija, avocado, or [coleslaw](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/best-coleslaw-recipe/).
### Tips for Perfect Carnitas
– **Keep It Juicy**: Cut the pork into large chunks, not small pieces, to maintain juiciness while cooking.
– **Do Not Skip Browning**: This step adds significant flavor to the final carnitas.
– **Save the Cooking Liquid**: It helps keep the shredded pork moist and enhances flavor after crisping.
– **For Crispy Pork**: Broil in a single layer to ensure the pork crisps rather than steams.
## Leftovers Done Right
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge with a bit of cooking liquid to retain moisture. It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat in a skillet, air fryer, or under the broiler.
### Fresh Sides For Carnitas
Did you enjoy this Pork Carnitas Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
## Recipe Details
– **Servings**: 4
– **Prep Time**: 25 minutes
– **Cook Time**: 4 hours
– **Total Time**: 4 hours 25 minutes
### Instructions
1. Cut the pork shoulder into large pieces (approximately 3″). Season with salt and pepper. Heat a large pan and add olive oil. Brown the pork in small batches.
2. Using a vegetable peeler, remove 4-5 strips of rind from the oranges and 3 strips from the lime. Juice the oranges and lime.
3. Combine pork, citrus juices, peels, onion quarters, garlic, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and bay leaf in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over.
4. Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 hours until the pork is fork-tender. Remove the bay leaf.
5. Set the oven to broil. Shred the pork into large pieces and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle a bit of juice on top. Broil for 4 to 5 minutes or until crispy. Stir, then add a little more broth.