Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
These Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are one of my all-time favorite foods. They are paleo, Whole30, and Keto! I love this recipe because you can throw all of the ingredients into a large zip-lock bag the night before, and empty it into the crock pot in the morning and go about your day! I like using a leaner cut of meat like a pork loin, but feel free to use a 4-5 lb pork shoulder or butt if that’s what you have. Just try to trim some of the fat first. This is a great Whole30 option and very versatile – I like to make a big batch on Sunday and use throughout the week on salads and bowls.
I always use heritage breed pork from Butcher Box – They deliver quality meat straight to your doorstep (monthly or bi-monthly) and you can create a custom box based on your preferences! Use this link to get free bacon and $10 off your first order!
Here I served the carnitas in Siete Foods Cashew flour tortillas with pickled onions, cilantro cream sauce, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salsa! You can get creative and serve these in rice bowls, taco salads, etc.
You can also make these easily using the Instant Pot. Just cut the meat into chunks first.
The broiling at the end is optional, but I definitely think it makes a huge difference. It gives the pork a nice crispy texture.
Looking for some other yummy slow cooker meals? Check out my Slow Cooker Tortilla Chicken Chili or Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili!
Enjoy!
*This recipe contains affiliate links. This means if you use one of my links to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Mary’s Whole Life!
Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
- 2.5-3 lb pork loin roast, or 4-5 lb pork shoulder with fat trimmed
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 tbsp Frank's Red Hot, or other compliant hot sauce of choice
- 1 cup chicken broth, make sure to check labels for no sugar/additives if doing Whole30
Instructions
- Add pork to Crock Pot. Mix all spices in a bowl until well-combined and rub all over the pork.
- Add the lime juice, orange juice, and chicken broth to cover/surround the pork.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-5 hours.
- When there is 1 hour remaining, shred the pork using 2 forks to give it time to absorb all of the juices.
- Remove shredded pork and move to a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Instructions
- Cut meat into large chunks (about 3-4 inches wide). Add all ingredients to Instant Pot and cook on manual high pressure for 30 mins, slow release for 15, then shred using two forks. Follow same instructions above for broiling!Â
43 Comments on “Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas”
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Hey! When do you add garlic/franks red hot sauce? I didn’t see it in the directions? Thanks!Â
With the recipe of the ingredients in the slow cooker – I will make sure to update that!
If I have a 4.5 lbs pork, do I need to double the recipe?
Super easy and delicious – this is one of my go-to Sunday meals to make for meal prep lunches.
Where do you add the hot sauce? Have you ever made it without?Â
Delicious!! Â
For some reason, I don’t usually trust Crockpot recipes – but because this was yours, of course I had to give it a go. The pork came out so tender and so flavorful. What a fantastic Sunday meal prep that lasts for many, many days of delicious and versatile leftovers.
This recipe is everything! My whole family loved this. So easy and so delicious:)Â
This was SO good! Â My husband, who can be picky, said “this recipe is definitely a keeper!” Â
This was so easy to make and delicious! Thanks for another great recipe!
You’re so welcome!
I don’t have a slow cooker or instapot. Do you also have oven temps and times? I’m assuming very low heat for several hours, thank you!
Hi Kate- Unfortunately I have only ever made these in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, so I do not have cooking times for the oven. I’m sorry!
My pork loin roast is 4.5 lbs. Do you have recommendations for how long to cook in the Instant Pot? I’m concerned 30 minutes won’t be enough. Thanks!
I would maybe do 40-45 mins!
I made this the other night and it’s amazing! I left mine in the slow cooker a bit longer than I should’ve but then I didn’t have to put it under the broiler (I’m afraid of broilers even though I love the flavor it gives). This is my new go-to. Super simple and already had all ingredients in my pantry. And bonus, I used the remaining broth to make rice!
That sounds yummy! I am so glad you liked the carnitas! Thanks Leslie 🙂
My family LOVED this recipe! My son hardly ever eats leftovers and he has eaten this for several meals with Good Foods dairy free queso dip. He has demanded that I make this often. Thank you!
That’s amazing! So glad you all enjoyed it!
These are sooo good! Friends loved them for our taco bar night!
Yay! So glad you liked them! One of my favorites too 🙂
Hi Mary! Do you think I can use Butcher Box boneless center cut pork roast for these carnitas?
Absolutely!
This recipe was easy and super delicious! I could not find a small pork shoulder so I used a 9 pound one and doubled the other ingredients. It took significantly longer to cook in the crockpot but was worth every second! Totally yummy and plenty of leftovers for a protein packed punch for days to come!
Thanks, Robin! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Do you know the nutritional facts on this recipe? Look amazing!
Unfortunately I don’t track nutrition facts on my blog (yet)!
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it! Do you have a recipe for the cilantro cream sauce and so you pickle your own onions? Thanks!
Hi! Thank you! The Cilantro cream sauce is Good Foods brand, and I make No Crumbs Left Marinated Onions!
Thank you!! 🙂
This was so easy to make and delicious! Best pulled pork EVER. And the crispy parts from broiling, mmmmmmm yum! Thank you, Mary!
Thanks Andrea!! I am SO glad you loved it!