Carnitas is Mexican shredded pork that’s juicy, full of flavor, and fall-apart tender. It’s also super easy to make in a slower cooker — just toss all the ingredients in! To finish it off, pop it under the broiler to get those deliciously crispy, caramelized edges.
Why You’ll Love This Carnitas
Whenever I visit Mexico (which is quite often) I always order carnitas. Many of you know my love affair with Mexican food, from carne asada to barbacoa and chicken fajitas, but carnitas will forever be my number one choice when it comes to meaty proteins. And it’s so darn easy to make at home. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- It’s a foolproof slow cooker meal. All you have to do is season the pork and toss it into a crockpot along with some aromatics. The slow cooker works its magic to give you the best meal by dinner time.
- It’s such a tasty way to enjoy pork. I’m a huge lover of pulled pork, but the flavor profile of carnitas is simply irresistible. The combination of Mexican spices, chopped jalapeño pepper, onions, garlic, and orange juice adds incredible flavor to the meat.
- It’s perfect for dinner parties. I make this often for weekly meal prep. But it always gets rave reviews when served at a party. Plus, you can make it a day in advance — I’ve got all the tips on how to prep it below.
Carnitas Ingredients
- Pork shoulder: Traditionally, carnitas is made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) because of its higher fat content. The fat helps to keep the meat extremely juicy and tender while cooking.
- Spices: A simple blend of oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper adds incredible flavor.
- Aromatics: Chopped onion, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapeño pepper season the meat while it slowly cooks. And don’t worry, the jalapeño pepper isn’t overly hot or spicy in the finished meat.
- Fresh Orange: The juice from one freshly squeezed orange adds natural sweetness to balance the other flavors perfectly.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make Carnitas
- Rub the seasoning on the pork. Mix the spices together and generously rub the blend on the entire pork shoulder. Then, place it in the slow cooker.
- Add the aromatics. Toss in the onions, minced garlic, jalapeño, and orange juice into the slow cooker. And if you’re wondering why there are no additional liquids such as chicken broth – well, you don’t need it. The pork shoulder will release enough liquid from steaming in the slow cooker.
- Slow cook it. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 5 to 6 hours (until the meat falls apart).
- Shred the pork. Remove the pork from the slow cooker to a large cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat. Also, don’t toss out the remaining liquid! You’ll be using this in the crisping process.
How To Make Your Carnitas Crispy
Do you need to crisp the carnitas? No, it’s completely optional and you can enjoy it straight from the slow cooker. But if you prefer crispy golden edges (as I do), here are two ways to do it:
- In the oven: Spread the pork into an even layer on a baking sheet. Pour one cup of the reserved liquid from the slow cooker on top. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- On the stovetop: Add a tablespoon or two of oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Transfer the shredded pork (you may need to work in batches), and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the bottom is browned. Continue tossing for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the edges are crispy.
Common Questions
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to the oven. First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Rub the spice mix all over your pork and toss all the ingredients into a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot and cover. Cook for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork becomes meltingly tender. Then continue to shred and broil it.
I would recommend doubling the other ingredients. And for the cooking time, you may just need an hour or two more. Continue cooking until it shreds easily with a fork.
Make and shred the carnitas, let it cool, then store it in a covered bowl in the fridge (with the reserved liquid in a separate bowl). When you’d like to serve it up, warm up the liquid so it’s pourable again, then pour about a cup over the carnitas, and follow the instructions below for crisping under the broiler.
Ways To Serve Carnitas
Carnitas is great for taco night, and a necessity for Cinco De Mayo. But there are so many other ways to enjoy it throughout the week. Here are a few tasty ideas:
- Tacos: Serve up carnitas tacos with homemade tortillas and various fresh toppings such as avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of lime crema.
- Plate: Whip up some Mexican rice and black beans to pair with the carnitas on a classic lunch plate.
- Bowl: Turn it into a burrito bowl with rice, beans, avocado, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
- Stuff It: Pile the carnitas into poblano peppers with black beans and corn.
- Omelette: Serve it up for breakfast as a carnitas omelette with fajita veggies and tasty toppings.
More Mexican Recipes
I’m confident you’re going to love this carnitas recipe as much as I do! Once you make it, let me know your thoughts in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.
Best Carnitas (Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
Description
Video
Equipment
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker) It has a ceramic insert and is perfect for transporting!
Ingredients
- 4 pound boneless pork shoulder or butt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, deseeded and finely diced
- 1 orange, juiced
Instructions
How to Make Carnitas
- Mix the seasoning. In a small bowl stir together the oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, and chili powder.
- Season the pork. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder (but remember that some fat is good), then rub the spice mixture generously around the entire pork shoulder and place in the slow cooker.
- Add ingredients. Add the onion, minced garlic, jalapeno pepper, and orange juice to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 5 to 6 hours (until the meat falls apart).
- Shred the pork. Remove the pork from the slow cooker to a large cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat. If the meat doesn't shred easily, just place it back in the slow cooker for another 30 minutes, or until it does shred easily. Don't get rid of the liquid as you will be using it later.
To Crisp In The Oven (Optional)
- Pour liquid on top. Place the shredded pork on a baking sheet. Pour 1 cup of the reserved slow cooker liquid over the pork to keep it moist and tender.
- Crisp it up. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes or until the meat becomes golden browned and crispy on the edges.
Lisa’s Tips
- Getting the pork shoulder out of the slow cooker after it’s cooked can be a little difficult, given that it’s so tender and will likely fall apart. I recommend using a spatula underneath to support it when removing.
- To store leftovers in the fridge: Place the shredded pork in a sealed container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
- To freeze and enjoy in the future: Store the pork in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted April 2020, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
This recipe is amazing. Easy to make, and versatile. My husband was very pleased!!! Thanks Lisa.
Happy to hear both you and your husband enjoy this recipe Gilda :)
So you know I rarely rate any recipe, however this one was simply fantastic! I can’t say I’m a great fan of pork even but this recipe was definitely a great way to cook pork. I prepared a pineapple salsa and Spanish rice to go with. Thank you for posting your wonderful recipe. Can’t wait to make it again!!
Happy to hear you loved this carnitas recipe Jen!
I never cook things like this. It always seems too involved and beyond my skill level. So I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to make this one (pretty easy, really!) and my whole family was impressed. I will definitely add this to my regular rotation. We had it on hard shell tacos with pico de gallo, cilantro, lime juice and sour cream. Just delicious!
Making these carnitas couldn’t be any easier! Glad you enjoyed this recipe for taco night Emily :)
Oh my GOODNESS! The flavors in this are like a mexican fiesta in your mouth! I actually threw in the quartered, squeezed oranges and included them in the shredding of the pork…little bits of orange…explosions of serious flavor! We couldn’t stop eating it…had the Copycat Chipotle bowl, tacos, and REPEAT! Thanks, Lisa, for a truly fab recipe that we will make over and over again!
So glad you enjoyed this carnitas recipe Terri!
Ridiculously delicious!!
Thanks Jewell! I’m happy you love this carnitas recipe!
Made these last night and they were a HIT! I added a cup of Mexican beer and 2 bay leaves to the crockpot. Served with your lime crema, my pineapple japapeno salsa, salsa verde and toasted corn shells. Yummy!!!!
Glad this turned out perfectly for taco night Jacqui! Sounds great with the pineapple salsa as well :)
Is there any substitute for the cup of orange juice? Maybe sometime of stevia/ monk fruit liquid?
I can’t have citrus because of a low acid diet I’m on so I just did some lime & lemon zest and mixed it in a little chicken broth.. it smelled good so hopefully after it’s done cooking it tastes good too!!
Hi! I was able to squeeze about 3.86lbs in a 4.5qt crockpot, should I expect it to take any longer? It’s flat and not leaning up the sides, just touching the both ends of the inside of the crockpot.
Hi Maleah – you should be fine in terms of cooking time!
Thank you for this recipe. Can this be done in a insta pot? With slow cook settings?
Hi Laura – I haven’t tried this in an instant pot. But if you try it, let me know how it goes!
Made this recipe last week and it was perfect! I want to try to make it with beef this time using a chuck roast. Do you think it would work the same?!
Hi Erin – yes, that should work just fine. Enjoy!
I tried this this weekend. Was nice and tender but not as spicy as I thought it should be.
Hi Paula- this recipe is not meant to be spicy, more so flavorful :)
I am never buying carnitas in a restaurant ever again. These are by far the best carnitas I’ve ever had. I’m a Latina and I love my carnitas. Honestly this was amazing.I didn’t have a slow cooker so I used my cast iron pot and baked them. But before that I I started it on the stove to get crispy parts, then I put in the oven for 2.5 hours since I only had a pound of pork loin. Came out amazing I’ll be making this again very soon.
Glad to hear this came together in your cast iron pot instead of a slow cooker!
I am making this for the first time and the smallest roast I could find was 8 lbs. I am doubling the spices, but should I double all of the other ingredients as well?
Yes, I would double the ingredients!
Looks awesome, hoping to make this soon, is the orange juice the only liquid in the slow cooker. Can I do this in a dutch oven also. any ideas on temp and cook time?
Hi Andrew – Yes, the orange juice is the only liquid needed for this! Also, I haven’t tried cooking this on the stovetop yet. So I’m not sure exactly how long and what temp.
This carnitas recipe is amazing!!! The broiling at the end makes it just incredible. Definitely recommend!
Hello. The recipes mentions boneless pork butt. Would bone in pork butt work? I couldn’t find any boneless pork in the store.
Hi Marlen – you can use bone in, but the cooking time might be a tad shorter since there is less meat.
If I were to cook it on low would it be an hour or two less. I only found pork butt roast hopefully I’ll taste the same
If I understand correctly, pork butt and pork butt roast are the same cuts of meat. The roast often has a bone in it. Pork shoulder is an adjacent cut of meat, which is more lean. Pork butt is preferred for pulled pork and carnitas. The fat is helps this cut retain it’s moisture.
Hi! Looking forward to trying this recipe! I saw the option to make this up to 3 days in advance and putting in the oven the day of to reheat. How long and what temperature would you suggest? Thank you!
Also, I am cooking for a large gathering. I have a 16lb pork butt. Any suggestions for that large of meat?
Hi. It says one orange juice ? How much is that a Cup?
One orange creates about 1/3 cup of orange juice :)
Do you think this recipe would work with boneless pork chops?
I am also wondering this! Did you end up doing it? Thanks!
Hi!
I got 4 lbs or chunked pork butt instead of a whole. Do you think it will cook the same?
Hi Annie – if it’s already cut into chunks, it should definitely cook faster.
Can you use lime juice and add like a tbsp of sugar instead of orange??
Sure!
This is maybe the 7 or 8th time I’ve made this. It’s soooo flavorful, but simple flavors so it’s not overwhelming or a really heavy meal, because of that, I have made this at least once a week since finding this recipe and every time it comes out consistent and amazing. I also love it bc pork tends to be cheaper than steak, so it’s cost efficient and makes sense for a weekly meal. I mainly use it for street tacos and I really only get leftovers for one extra meal bc it goes fast! For leftovers, I mix it up with scrambled eggs in the morning! Sooo tasty!
That sounds amazing mixed in with scrambled eggs Juliana! Glad you’ve enjoyed this recipe so much :)
This recipe looks amazing!!!! I have the meat cooking in the crockpot
I do have a question. Do you broil meat on high or low broil heat setting? On what shelf in oven (top rack, Middlr rack, etc,,) do you broil meat on?
Hi Jacqueline- I normally will broil meat on high and in the middle rack :)
Thank you!!!! I do have one more question. I could only find a pork butt roast that was tied with strings. Is that the kind you used? Or is there a different kind of pork butt?
Hi Jacqueline – I believe that should be okay to use instead! Whichever cut of pork butt you find available at your market :)
This was AMAZING! I used fresh cilantro too in the end for the tacos(fresh corn tortillas only). I really need your Carne Asada recipe.
Yay, I’m happy you loved this carnitas recipe, Adam! It’s definitely perfect for tacos. Looks like you’ll have to try the carne asada recipe next!
I’ve tried several carnitas recipes over the years and my family overwhelmingly voted this recipe the very best carnitas I’ve ever made!
Hi Gretchen- Wow, that’s amazing! I’m thrilled to hear your family enjoyed this carnitas recipe so much.
Who knew this was so easy to make! I put it all in the crockpot before work and when I came home it smelled so delicious. My husband made a tomatillo salsa and I made your cassava tortillas (which are the best) and tada dinner was ready in no time. SO DELICIOUS!! I loved putting it in the over to broil for 10 minutes, make sure not to skip this step , it makes a big difference! Thanks Lisa
Hi Natalia- This is the perfect crockpot recipe to make during busy weekdays! Happy to hear both you and your husband enjoyed this, along with my cassava flour tortillas :)
I made this for my 30th birthday dinner 2 weeks ago and I’m making it again tonight! The flavours work so well with the pork and the crispy bits you get from broiling in the oven are SO GOOD and definitely worth the extra little wait before dinner! Going to make a carnitas bowl tonight to switch it up from the tacos last time!
Hi Laura- Happy to hear everyone enjoyed this for your 30th birthday! This will definitely be perfect for a carnitas bowl :)
I love Mexican food and this is something I would love to make. I have problem regarding pork though as we live in the Middle East and there is no pork availability here. What meat and cut would be the best to substitute it?
Fyi just discovered your Website and love the recipes and cooking tips.
Hi Rahela – instead of substituting a different meat in this recipe, I’d recommend checking out my carne asada recipe which uses beef.
I made these for tacos on Cinco de Mayo and they were DELICIOUS. Although, mine didn’t fall apart very easily and was kind of difficult to cut up. I’m not sure why as I cooked on low for 8 hours. Despite seeming tough, it was still easy to chew and tasted wonderful!
Hi Kelsey- If it didn’t fall apart as easily, you may need to cook it for a bit longer or add a bit of water or broth at the bottom for extra moisture! But, I’m glad the flavors were all there and tasted wonderful for your Cinco De Mayo festivities!
These were INCREDIBLE! Such an easy slow cooker meal and the flavors are perfect. Used the carnitas for a burrito bowl dinner, and used some leftovers for huevos rancheros! My family loved them. Thanks again for another awesome recipe.
Wonderful! These carnitas are perfect for incorporating into many meals throughout the week :)
Turned out perfectly. Thank you for another great recipe I will definitely be keeping on stand by.
One of many Downshiftology recipes I made for Cinco de Mayo. My husband said “you knocked this one out of the park, babe!” All three of my guys devoured their tacos. “These are as good – no, they’re better – than the restaurant in town.” Definitely will be on my rotation of meals!
That’s amazing to hear Becky! Can never go wrong with a batch of carnitas to eat throughout the week :)
Hi there! Thank you for all of your amazing recipes and videos!
Is it possible to make the same recipe with beef and if yes, which cut of beef? My husband is not a fan of pork.
Thanks!!
Hi Larissa – I’d recommend searching for a slow cooker shredded beef recipes specifically, as you’d want different flavors to enhance the beef.
I made this recipe for Cinco de Mayo. Everyone in my family loved it. I changed only one thing. I added the orange zest to the rub. this recipe turned out perfect, flavorful. I used the broiler method to crisp up the edges. I served it with the mexican rice, guacamole, and pico de gallo. also made a batch of pineapple agua fresca.
All Downshiftology recipes.
Thanks Lisa!
Hi Renee- So glad this recipe was a success for Cinco De Mayo! Love the whole Tex-Mex spread you created as well.
Hi! Does the chilli powder refer to pure chill powder or American chilli powder (blend of spices)?
Hi Hazel – I use Simply Organic chili powder which is a blend of spices.
Wow!!! So easy but super flavorful! It was a hit and will definitely be making it again! We had it with corn tortillas, cilantro and onion and lime, Mexican crema, and cotija cheese. The following day we had a taco salad. And we still had enough to share with family! Thank you!! I wish I could post a picture because they looked and tasted amazing!
Hi Teresa- Wonderful! Sounds like the perfect combination with the cream and fresh ingredients. I’ll actually be posting my taco salad later today so stay tuned :)
Was so easy to make. I used pork picnic. Served it with corn tortillas, chopped cilantro, tomatoes, and red onion, and homemade guacamole with a side salad. So yummy!! Better than at the restaurant.
Hi Gail- So glad you enjoyed this carnitas recipe! Love the way you served it with those fresh ingredients as well :)
Another great and easy recipe. I opted for the Dutch oven method and it turned out tender, juicy and with the finish under the grill (broiler?) there were some crispy flavour bombs. I wasn’t sure if the rub was enough but it was perfect. So no changes required to the recipe.
I made this the previous night as I was prepping dinner, packed the extra portions into the freezer and finished it under the grill for the next day. So it ended up being a mid week dinner for us.
I’m happy you loved the recipe, Asuka! Those crispy flavor bombs are the best, aren’t they? ;) Enjoy your leftovers in lots of creative, delicious ways!
I’ve been using a similar recipe, but browning the carnitas on a griddle with some liquid to add the crispy edges. This should be so much easier! On the list for Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday. Thank you Lisa!
Hi Elizabeth – you could use a griddle for sure. That works too! I just find the oven to be a really easy method. Let me know how it works out for you!
Thank you for instant pot instructions. Did you need to add liquid?
Dear Lisa, Thank you so much for one more amazing recipe! I adapted it for the Instant Pot because I don’t have a slow cooker. I cooked it for 80 minutes in normal high pressure, let natural release for 20 minutes and let the rest of the pressure out through quick release. So delicious! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your tips for the Instant Pot, Ana! I’m happy you loved the recipe. :)
Did you need to add liquid when doing it in instant pot?
I just made this in my Instant Pot, using only the ingredients listed, for 80 minutes on high pressure and it came out perfectly! Lots of juice to spare. Great recipe, as always, Lisa!
Glad you loved this carnitas recipe! Perfect for a Sunday meal prep :)
Do you think I could use a serrano in place of the jalapeno? Also, if I want to make only 4 servings (2lbs pork vs 4lb) do I just half the herbs? Very new at cooking so need all the help I can get haha
Hi Rhiannon- Yes, you can use a serrano pepper instead! As for the herbs, I would halve the amount. I might also keep an eye on timing since you have a smaller pork, as it might finish cooking a bit sooner.
This looks great! Do you think it would turn out ok with a pork roast?
Hi Erin – I haven’t tried this yet with pork roast, but I think it should work!
I made this with a pork roast and it turned out great!
Amazing! Glad this recipe was a success Jenn :)
I tried this recipe today and honestly this is the BEST carnitas I have ever made. Flavor, moist, easy. I used the slow cooker setting on our insta pot and let cook for 8 hrs. Broiled for a few minutes to crisp edges just like Lisa described. Such a well written recipe with easy instructions and common ingredients. I used a can of jalapeños because thats what the grocery could offer. Do not wait on making this. It is honestly the best flavored carnitas! Nice job Lisa!
Hi Tracy- I’m thrilled to hear you’ve found a winning carnitas recipe! You’ll definitely need to keep this on hand :)
Another fabulous recipe- thanks Lisa!
Hi Ali- Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Your tips on how to caramelize the carnitas to make them crispy! That’s gold right there.
Hi Jennifer – Happy to hear that little tip helped to create the perfect crisp edges :)
So juicy and flavorful, I am so happy I came across this recipe!
Hi Tawnie – So glad you enjoyed this carnitas recipe :)
My mouth is watering at the thought of these carnitas – looks so delicious and those crispy edges sound amazing.
The final broiler step adds the perfect amount of crispiness :)
I was just thinking of making a pork roast today and voila, your recipe showed up! I’m going to give it a try but will need to cook the pork in my dutch oven as my slow cooker finally kicked the bucket! But I think it will be fine… I may need to add in a little extra liquid but am super excited to get this on our table for dinner!
What perfect timing! And cooking in the dutch oven works as well – can’t wait to see how your carnitas turn out!
I love the rub you put on this pork. Then the crisping of it is perfect.
The rub really makes all the difference :)
Hey there!!! I have pork shoulder boneless strip prices, 3lbs total in 6 strips. Any recommendations on cooking time adjustments? Thank you so much!!!
Hi Leslie – you could probably cook the carnitas for a little less time. I’d just try it at certain intervals to make sure it’s cooked through and tender. Enjoy!
Hi Lisa, would you happen to know if this recipe could be modified for the Instant Pot?? Awesome site and recipes! Thank you! :)
Hi Susie – I’m sure it can be. But unfortunately I don’t have an Instant Pot so can’t direct you on the amount of time it would need. Sorry!
Hi Lisa, I’ve been enjoying your online recipes. Another option for carnitas is to spread mashed avocado or guacamole onto a tostada (flat crispy corn tortilla, fry your own or purchase already prepared) then add the pork carnitas and pica de gallo, which is the way I like to prepare them. The Mexican version is to spread refried beans on a tostada, add pork, then a dolop of mashed avocado and a dolop of sour cream with a couple rings of raw onion.
Thanks for sharing Gary! That definitely does sounds like another delicious way of serving this recipe :)