Pork carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish that is a flavorful option for the protein you use for Mexican dishes. As the price of beef has climbed and remained high, I have searched for affordable and flavorful options to replace high priced beef. Pork butt has a fraction of the fat of beef chuck roast, which is a commonly used cut for Mexican dishes. Even skirt steak, which is another common cut used in Mexican dishes has more fat per pound than pork butt.
This recipe is amazing because you braise the meat in a crockpot, which I call “set it and forget it.” Once meat is braised, the pork is shredded and broiled after being brushed with the liquid in the crockpot with fresh jalapenos on a sheet pan in the oven to make it crispy.
Carnitas can be served as tacos on warmed tortillas served with diced onion and cilantro. Carnitas can also be used to fill burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, taquitos, or to top nachos, sandwiches, a rice bowl or salads.
Equipment:
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Crockpot Pork Carnitas
The cost of beef has me exploring different proteins for tacos. Pork remains especially affordable and these carnitas are amazing!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the bay leaves, oregano, chili powder, salt, cumin, pepper, cayenne, onion, orange juice, lime juice, beer and water.
- Add the meat and cover. Cook on HIGH for 7-8 hours or LOW for 10-12 hours, or until the pork is very tender and can be pulled apart easily with a fork. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork to a foil lined rimmed sheet pan. Reserve the liquid in the slow cooker.
- Use two forks to shred the pork . Generously brush the meat with the reserved liquid. Place whole jalapenos on the pan.
- Turn on the broiler. Broil the shredded meat until the edges are crispy and caramelized, 5-8 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and using a spatula, flip the meat over. Broil for 5 more minutes, or until crispy on top. Dice or slice broiled jalapenos to serve with meat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
212Fat
8 gSat. Fat
3 gCarbs
5 gFiber
1 gNet carbs
4 gSugar
1 gProtein
25 gSodium
487 mgCholesterol
79 mg