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crispy slow cooker pork carnitas

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Juicy, tender pork slow-cooked in a flavorful spice rub, onions, jalapeños, garlic, wheat beer, and orange juice, then crisped to perfection in a hot skillet. Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, and more.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Meat
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pork & Rub:

  • 4 lb pork butt roast bone-in, fat cap on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Cooking:

  • 1 cup red onion diced
  • ¼ cup jalapeños sliced
  • 2 tablespoon minced garlic 4-6 cloves
  • 12 oz wheat beer such as Blue Moon
  • 1 cup orange juice

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pork: Pat pork roast dry. Mix olive oil, salt, oregano, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub mixture evenly over all sides of pork.
  • Slow Cook: Place pork fat side up in slow cooker. Add onions, jalapeños, garlic, wheat beer, and orange juice. Cook on low:
    2-3 lbs: 8 hours
    3-6 lbs: 10 hours
    6-8 lbs: 12 hours
  • Rest & Shred: Remove pork to a cutting board. Let rest 5 minutes. Remove bone. Shred meat with two forks. Reserve cooking juices.
  • Crisp the Carnitas: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Spread shredded pork in a single layer (work in batches). Pour ½ cup reserved cooking liquid over pork. Cook undisturbed 4 minutes until edges brown and crisp. Flip and sear other side 1 minute. Repeat with remaining pork.

Notes

  • Use bone-in pork shoulder or Boston butt with fat cap for best flavor and moisture.
  • Fat cap should face up while cooking to baste meat.
  • Substitute wheat beer with cola or chicken broth if preferred.
  • Leftovers store refrigerated (meat and juices separately) for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Crispy Oven Finish: Instead of crisping in a skillet, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet, drizzle with slow cooker juices, and broil for 3–5 minutes until edges are browned and crispy.
  • Nutrition estimates are approximate values and will vary depending on the specific cut of pork and exact ingredients used.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 35gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 620mgSugar: 2g
Keyword slow cooker pork carnitas
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