Description
This Crockpot Carnitas recipe offers tender, flavorful shredded pork slow-cooked with aromatic spices, orange zest, and beer. Finished under the broiler for crispy edges, it’s perfect for tacos or any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork butt
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large orange (zest and juice)
- 1 (12oz) Blue Moon or similar wheat beer
Instructions
- Prepare Pork: Carefully cut the pork butt into 4 even pieces. Transfer the pork pieces to the crockpot. Sprinkle the diced onion, chipotle chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt evenly over the pork. Zest the entire orange over the spices and then juice the orange directly into the crockpot. Slowly pour in the beer over all the ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set to LOW heat. Cook for 7 to 8 hours, or alternatively, set to HIGH and cook for 4 hours. The pork is ready when it is tender enough to be easily pulled apart with forks.
- Dress and Broil: Preheat the oven to BROIL. Once the pork is done, transfer all the pork pieces onto a sheet pan. Shred or pull apart the pork evenly over the pan. Carefully measure out about 1/4 cup of the liquid from the crockpot and sprinkle it evenly over the shredded pork. Place the sheet pan on the middle oven rack and broil for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the edges of the pork become crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and serve immediately. For a classic presentation, offer warm tortillas with queso fresco cheese, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced red onions to make delicious carnitas tacos.
Notes
- Cutting the pork into even pieces ensures even cooking throughout the slow-cooking process.
- Use a beer like Blue Moon or any wheat beer for a mild, complementary flavor. Avoid darker beers that might overpower the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chipotle chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Broiling is key to get the crispy edges typical of authentic carnitas; don’t skip this step!
- Leftover carnitas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
