Slow cooker pork carnitas cooked to juicy tender perfection with orange juice, jalapenos, and seasonings. If you're looking for a new kind of pulled pork recipe, you'll love this Mexican shredded pork roast!
4poundsPork shoulder roastor pork butt, cut off large fat pieces
1tablespoonDried oregano
1tablespoonGround cumin
2teaspoonsChili powder
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonBlack pepper
1medium Yellow oniondiced (approx. 1 cup)
4Garlic clovesminced (approx. 1.5 tablespoons)
1large Jalapeno pepperdeseeded and diced
2Navel oranges
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the dried oregano, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Using your fingers, rub the spices into the pork then place the pork into the slow cooker.
Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno peppers to the slow cooker evenly around the pork. Squeeze the juice from the oranges over the pork then replace the lid.
Cook the pork for 8 hours. You'll know it's ready when it shreds easily with a fork. If it doesn't pull apart effortlessly, it is not ready. Check back in 30 minutes.
Once it is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the pork in its own juices, and let sit for 5 minutes. Turn your broiler on high and allow it to preheat.
Scoop some of the pork and place in an even layer on the baking sheet. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes to crisp up the pork.
Remove from the oven. Serve the pulled pork hot in a corn or flour tortilla with shredded cilantro, guacamole, jalapenos, tomatoes, avocados, or a squeeze of lime.
Notes
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Leftovers will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.
This recipe is a mild version. If you want a spicier version, leave the pith and seeds of the jalapeños in the slow cooker and if you are feeling really brave, add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the rub.
The serving size is set to 16 people since this is a 4 lb pork roast. This would allow for 1 taco per person.