Favorite things in life, in order: comment icon 620 more comments
tacos tacos tacos.
And one thing that has been known to transform the tacos in my life is juicy, tender, savory, fall-apart pork that is both massively flavorful (garlic, spices, and just a hint of tangy lime) and juuust browned and crispy enough to keep me snacking on little bites of it while prepping my taco ingredients. Yes, you know it. We’re talking about crockpot carnitas. In my life, I give bonus points to any recipe that is idiot-proof easy to make and can be popped in the slow cooker or Instant Pot to cook while you manage your normal life things. More bonus points for recipes that can be frozen, prepped ahead, or kept easily as leftovers. And let’s just say that this carnitas recipe is racking up the bonus points right now. Are you so into this right now? I AM SO INTO THIS.
Super Simple Ingredients For Carnitas
This recipe is absolutely my go-to for “entertaining” aka “hey you guys should come over and watch the game and we’ll eat something yummy while sitting on the couch.” Here’s what you’ll need:
pork shoulder garlic limes beer (or broth) orange juice salsa seasonings
You can prep all your beautiful extras (guacamole, fresh cilantro and lime, sour cream, cotija cheese, radish, red onion, tortillas, pico de gallo) in advance, and maybe even run a few errands (oops, forgot the drinks, and the dog could probably use a walk, and have I showered yet today?), all while the meat does its delicious thing, needing no supervision whatsoever.
What Cut Of Meat To Use For Carnitas
So you’re in the grocery store and you can find pork shoulder but not pork butt? That’ll work great still for this carnitas recipe! Both are tough cuts from the pig’s shoulder – pork butt is just a smidge higher up on the animal. Both are really perfect cuts though for long and slow cooking, like roasting, braising, or making crispy carnitas tacos!
How To Make Carnitas In A Slow Cooker
Here’s how to make this happen (it’s basic, just how we like it!):
Important: Broil Your Carnitas
When it’s time for friends to arrive, you shred that meat in the crockpot (it’s okay if you have extra liquid in there), you brown it up under a broiler (THIS IS ESSENTIAL DO NOT SKIP), and you plate it up nice and pretty and let everyone compliment you for this delicious, juicy, colorful spread. Juicy, tender, saucy, and simultaneously crispy carnitas are ready for that taking in tacos, burritos, and rice bowls. Truly a thing of beauty.
How To Serve Carnitas (And Leftovers Too!)
My go-to way to serve these carnitas is in tacos with corn tortillas. But they’re also delicious in burritos, rice bowls, quesadillas, and on top of salads. These are the toppings I absolutely need with my tacos:
Limes Diced red onion Guacamole (or avocado) Crumbled cotija cheese
Carnitas make great leftovers. Once you’re done eating them in tacos, you can use them in any of the above-mentioned ways or freeze them for later. Source notes: Carnitas is a staple of Mexican cooking and eating and literally means “little meats.” The method to make it can vary from person to person, but what’s always consistent is shreddable pork for tacos, tortas, and more. This is a simple slow cooker version of carnitas, but traditional carnitas recipes are typically cooked by simmering or braising the pork in oil. You can learn all about the history of carnitas here. Also, to explore Mexican food more, highly recommend checking out the vibrant and fun Chicano Eats cookbook, written by Esteban Castillo and described as “Mexican food with an immigrant sensibility that weaves seamlessly between Mexican and American genres and cultures.”
More Pork Recipes To Make Over and Over Again
Caramelized Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa (this chili mayo sauce could rule the world) 15-Minute Egg Roll in a Bowl (low on cook time, big on flavor) The Best Swedish Meatballs (a bit more diva-status to make but oh-so good) 5-Ingredient Spicy Pork (a fancy-feeling dinner that comes together in a snap)
One More Thing!
This recipe is part of our collection of yummy pork recipes. Check it out! 4.8 from 157 reviews Instant Pot Method: Cut the pork into 3-5 large chunks. Add to the Instant Pot with the other ingredients as stated in the original instructions. Cook on manual high pressure for 30 minutes, and allow for a natural release. Shred, broil in the oven, and serve!
