Pork Tenderloin Carnitas

Pork Tenderloin Carnitas

from feastingnotfasting.com
490 min

Juicy, crispy shredded pork tenderloin carnitas uses a leaner cut of meat than traditional recipes for healthy, delicious pork tacos made in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. pork tenderloin ((2-2.5 lbs. is best, may need two tenderloins for this))
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 - 2 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, finely chopped ((about 1 Tbsp., can use 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder instead))
  • 1 Tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 cup light beer ( (Optional - I use pacifico or corona))
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro ((Optional))

Directions

  1. 1

    Place pork tenderloins in crock-pot and sprinkle with spices. Add chilis, lime juice, and orange juice. 

  2. 2

    Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours. Pork should be easily shreddable when done. 

  3. 3

    Use two forks to shred pork, adjust seasoning level if desired and simmer another half hour. 

  4. 4

    Preheat broiler and transfer shredded pork to a baking sheet, spread out in a medium-thin layer, leaving any juices in the crock-pot.

  5. 5

    Broil on low for about 5 minutes until it starts to get crisp but is not burnt or dried out. Remove pork and toss with reserved cooking liquid to moisten. 

  6. 6

    Stir in fresh cilantro and serve with taco fixings or over Mexican flavored rice. Taco fixing ideas: pickled red onions, queso fresco, salsa, cheese, lime, guacamole, tomato, lettuce, black olives or whatever else you prefer.