Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Ingredients
- 1 lean boneless pork roast
excess fat trimmed, cut into 3-inch chunks, 4-5 pound
- 1 cup beer
or chicken stock
- 1 medium white onion
diced
- 4 cloves garlic
peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
or 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
Directions
- 1
Add all ingredients to a large slow cooker, and give the mixture a stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is completely tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- 2
Once the pork is cooked, preheat your broiler to high heat and prepare two baking sheets with aluminum foil. Use a fork to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, and then use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the prepared baking sheets, spreading the pork in an even layer and leaving the juices behind in the slow cooker. (Don’t discard the juices, we’re going to use them later!)
- 3
Place one sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the edges of the pork begin browning and crisping up. Remove the sheet from the oven, then ladle about 1/4 cup of the juices from the slow cooker evenly over the pork, and then give it a good toss with some tongs. Broil for an additional 5 minutes to get the meat more crispy. Then remove and ladle an additional 1/4 cup of broth over the crispy pork.
- 4
Repeat with the other baking sheet of pork.
- 5
Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, salads, or whatever sounds good to you! This pork can also be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 99 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Dreaming of succulent, restaurant-quality carnitas that practically melt in your mouth, then crisp up to perfection? This slow cooker recipe makes authentic, flavorful carnitas incredibly easy to achieve right in your home kitchen.
The magic of the slow cooker transforms a lean pork roast into unbelievably tender, juicy meat infused with rich spices and aromatics. Using either beer or chicken stock ensures the pork stays moist while braising, locking in deep flavor before it's ready for its signature crispy finish. It's a method designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prepare for a feast of tender, shredded pork that boasts incredible depth of flavor from the chipotle powder, cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Each bite will be savory and robust, with hints of the beer or stock that helped braise it. While the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, the final result promises that irresistible contrast of juicy interior and golden-brown, crispy edges that make carnitas truly special. It's a satisfying and versatile dish perfect for family meals or entertaining.
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. If you prefer not to use beer, chicken stock works beautifully to keep the pork moist and flavorful. For the spicy kick, you can swap chipotle powder for a minced chipotle in adobo sauce to add a smoky, earthy heat. You can also vary the serving by adding different toppings or using the carnitas in various dishes.
These crispy slow cooker carnitas are fantastic served in warm tortillas for classic tacos, piled into burritos, or as a hearty topping for nachos and salads. They’re a crowd-pleaser for casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, bringing a taste of authentic Mexican flavor to any table.