Carnitas (Oven or Slow Cooker)

Why You’ll Love Carnitas (Oven or Slow Cooker) Recipe

These carnitas are incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. The pork becomes tender from slow cooking and then gets a crisp finish, giving you the best of both worlds—melt‑in‑your‑mouth meat with crunchy edges. It’s a great make‑ahead recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 to 4½ pound boneless pork shoulder roast or pork butt
1 yellow onion, peeled and quartered
1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic
2 medium oranges juiced (keep spent halves)
2 limes juiced (discard spent halves)
2 dried bay leaves

Carnitas Seasoning Mix
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

Optional Ingredients (for tacos)
flour tortillas, diced onion, cilantro, crumbled cotija or queso fresco cheese, sour cream, hot sauce

Directions

Conventional Oven Method

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.

2. Cut pork shoulder into 3–4 inch chunks, trimming excess fat, and place in a large Dutch oven.

3. Mix the seasoning ingredients and sprinkle over the pork, tossing to coat.

4. Add onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, spent orange halves, and bay leaves.

5. Cover and cook for about 2½–3 hours until meat is very tender.

6. Transfer pork to a baking sheet with nonstick spray and shred with two forks.

7. Pour about ½ cup cooking liquid over the shredded pork, spreading in an even layer.

8. Broil for 3–5 minutes until browned and crisped, tossing and broiling again if needed.

Slow Cooker Method

1. Add all ingredients (except finishing steps) to a 6‑quart slow cooker.

2. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until pork is tender.

3. Follow steps 6–8 above to shred and crisp the carnitas in the oven.

Servings and timing

Serves: 8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (oven) or 4–7 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (oven)

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freeze up to 3 months in freezer‑safe containers or bags, thawing overnight before reheating. Reheat in the microwave for small portions, in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness, or on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through.

FAQs

How do I choose the best cut of pork for carnitas?

Use a boneless pork shoulder roast (also called pork butt). It’s well‑marbled, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful when slow‑cooked.

Can I make carnitas without citrus juice?

Citrus, especially orange and lime, adds traditional flavor and acidity. You can substitute water if needed, but the recipe will be less bright.

Do I have to broil the carnitas at the end?

Broiling gives the carnitas crisp edges, but you can skip this step if you prefer softer meat.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

This specific recipe is designed for oven or slow cooker methods, but you could adapt it to an Instant Pot with pressure cooking and then finish under the broiler.

What toppings go well with carnitas?

Popular toppings include diced onion, cilantro, cotija or queso fresco cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce served with warm tortillas.

How long can leftovers stay in the fridge?

Carnitas can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days. Ensure it’s in a sealed container to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze cooked carnitas?

Yes. Freeze cooled carnitas in a freezer‑safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat carnitas?

Microwave for small portions, skillet for crispiness, or oven on a sheet pan for larger batches.

Is this recipe spicy?

The seasoning includes cayenne pepper for mild heat, but you can adjust it to your taste.

Can I use bone‑in pork shoulder?

Yes, but adjust cooking time slightly as bone‑in cuts may need a bit longer to become tender.

Conclusion

This carnitas recipe is a delicious and versatile way to enjoy Mexican‑inspired pulled pork at home. Whether you use your oven or slow cooker, you’ll end up with succulent, flavor‑packed meat that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, and more. With simple ingredients and flexible methods, it’s sure to become a go‑to in your recipe collection.