This slow cooker pork carnitas recipes is perfect for making some delicious tacos that your guests will keep coming back for!
If you are a long time follower of this website, then you probably have realized that I talk a lot of about my grandma. It is very easy to explain why – she was one of the most influential people in my life when I was growing up and she taught me most of what I know today about cooking – including how to make this delicious pork carnitas recipe.
When I was growing up, we didn’t have access to electric slow cookers, but that doesn’t mean that we didn’t cook things slow! The difference is that we had to cook our pork carnitas in a large pot all day long instead of just plugging in a slow cooker and letting it go. That said, now that we have the convenience of a slow cooker, I love using it!
Don’t have a slow cooker – check this one out!
My grandma taught me so many tips and tricks to make food taste better and nearly every recipe I know, I learned from her. Even though my grandma taught me a lot about food, she also taught me something more important – to be kind, compassionate and to care about others. My grandma was always willing to help anyone in need.
There were times where other people in my town didn’t have food, and she would sacrifice her time and effort to make more so that they could eat too. Everyone knew that there would always be a fresh, hot, and delicious meal at my grandma’s house.
This slow cooker pork carnitas recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, and then the pork will need to cook in your slow cooker for at least 4 hours before taking it out and serving it with tortillas, cilantro, and fresh salsa.
To make them, I recommend using Pork Shoulder, but really any other tender cut of pork will do.
If you have never had pork carnitas, then you are going to be surprised how amazing it tastes. Because of how the pork is cooked, it is extremely juicy and tender, and has an unmistakable flavor. Some of the ingredients that you will need are oranges, cola, fresh herbs and spices, and of course Pork.
You will start by cutting the pork into smaller pieces and frying in a hot pan before adding to the slow cooker to finish cooking with the rest of the ingredients.
After it is done cooking, you will give it a rough shred before serving it with tortillas for tacos. Don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers – trust me, everyone is going to be asking for more!
We recently made this for some friends that were in town visiting, and they couldn’t get enough of it. That is one of the reasons that I decided to post the recipe on my website – so that everyone can try the tasty and delicious Mexican pork carnitas.
I truly hope that you enjoy this recipe. Please come back and let me know in the comments below how it turns out!
Check out these other great Mexican favorites!
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 Pork Shoulder
- 1 Cup of Cola Soft Drink
- 2 Oranges - you will need the juice and the peels
- 1 cup of pork lard or 1 cup of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of pepper
- 1 tablespoon of oregano
- 1 tablespoon of thyme
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 onion
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the Pork Shoulder into smaller chunks
- Season the pork with Salt, Pepper and Oregano, and fry in the lard or coconut oil.
- Add the pork and the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours
- After four hours, remove from the slow cooker and roughly shred the pork - you will want somewhat larger pieces and return to the slow cooker.
- Serve over corn tortillas with cilantro, fresh salsa, and lemon juice.
We live for Taco Tuesdays in our house, and I love the sound of these carnitas! I think these definitely need to show up on a Tuesday in our house…hopefully soon! Thanks for sharing! #client
Your recipe shows 1 cup of lard or coconut oil. Is that a misprint? If not, why so much oil to sear the pork?
Hi Cathy, for carnitas, the more accurate description would really be that you fry the meat before adding to the slow cooker rather than sear. I just updated the post so that it accurately reflects that you will be frying the meat so you need a decent amount of oil or lard. Good luck!
We made these in our instant pot, and it was soooo good!! Love your recipes, Charbel ❤️❤️❤️
How long did you cook in instant pot?
Hello,
Just wondering, do you know how many people this recipe will serve approximately?
Hi Christina, it ultimately depends on the size of the pork shoulder that you use, but this usually makes enough for me to serve probably around 10 people. Good luck!
How many pounds of pork did you use?
This was an easy recipe to follow and make, was a big hit with the family
excellent flavour. Will definitely make again!!
Hello, what cola do you use?
Hi Charbel Barker
Just wondering. In your pictures. Did you pan fry with lard? or just any type of oil then put lard into a slow cooker?
I am a bit of confusion.
Just started my slow cooker filled with this deliciousness. Will shred and then freeze for a week. I am hosting my large family for an outdoor taco party. Will also make shredded chicken in achiote and ground beef, potato tacos. I love the smell of oregano and can’t wait for my house to start smelling yummy
So good!!!