Lunch / Dinner
Slow Cooker Carnitas
As a taco filling, stuffed into burritos, or to top a salad, these are just a few ways to enjoy Slow Cooker Carnitas. Meaning “little meats” in Spanish, carnitas are one of Mexico’s most-loved dishes. They’re typically cubes of pork shoulder braised in lard until succulent and tender. This version keeps things easy by cooking the pork in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
TOAST:
COMBINE:
SERVE:
Test Kitchen Tip
Head to the Mexican market for the chiles. Since they have a higher turnover, they’ll be fresher. Look for chiles that are still pliable and not brittle.
Instructions
Toast chiles in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant, 5 minutes, then add to a 7-qt. slow-cooker, along with onions, cola, and garlic.
Combine cumin, coriander, oregano, 1 Tbsp. salt, and pepper, then rub on all sides of pork; transfer to slow cooker. Cover slow cooker and cook pork until meat is falling off the bone on high setting, 6 hours.
Transfer pork to a cutting board; when cool enough to handle, shred meat.
Skim and discard fat from surface of braising liquid, then purée liquid and solids with a handheld blender. Stir in lime juice, brown sugar, shredded pork; season with salt.
Serve carnitas in tortillas with Pickled Onions & Radishes, cotija, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Toast the chiles before adding them to the slow cooker. The heat releases their oils for more flavor.
You’ll know the meat is tender enough to eat when the bone easily releases from the roast.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 205
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 10%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 69mg 23%
Sodium 565mg 23%
Carbs 11g 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Protein 23g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.