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Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos Recipe Easy Crispy Mexican Dinner

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Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder is infused with citrus and spices, then crisped under the broiler for irresistible golden edges. These carnitas tacos are easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with authentic Mexican flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (Boston Butt)
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, smashed
  • 1 large onion, quartered (yellow or white)
  • 1 large orange, juiced and zest reserved
  • 1 large lime, juiced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • Corn tortillas, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
  • Diced onion, for serving
  • Pico de gallo, guacamole, or salsa, for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor. Cut into 3-4 large chunks.
  2. Mix salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Rub all over pork pieces.
  3. Place quartered onion and smashed garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seasoned pork on top. Sprinkle orange zest over everything.
  4. Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Add bay leaf. Cover and cook.
  5. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours, until pork is fork-tender.
  6. Transfer pork to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Discard bones and large fat pieces, and remove bay leaf.
  7. Place shredded pork in a mixing bowl. Add about 1 cup of cooking liquid and toss to coat.
  8. Spread pork in an even layer on a sheet pan. Broil on HIGH for 4-5 minutes until edges are brown and crispy. Flip and broil another 2-3 minutes.
  9. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Keep warm in a towel.
  10. Fill each tortilla with crispy carnitas. Top with diced onion, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

For best results, cook pork low and slow. Crisp pork in batches for maximum crunch. Save cooking juices for tossing or drizzling over tacos. Warm tortillas before serving. Carnitas can be made ahead and crisped before serving. Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free if using corn tortillas and certified gluten-free broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: carnitas, tacos, slow cooker, Mexican, crispy, pork, easy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free, meal prep, family recipe

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