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Carnitas Crockpot Tacos: Delicious Flavor

Carnitas Crockpot Tacos
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Flavor-packed carnitas crockpot tacos are tender, juicy, and bursting with authentic Mexican flavor. Slow-cooked with citrus, garlic, and spices, then crisped for irresistible texture, they’re the perfect easy dinner for Taco Tuesday, family meals, or casual gatherings. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for an effortless and flavor-packed fiesta!

Ingredients

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  • 4 lbs (1.8kg) pork shoulder / pork butt, skinless, boneless
  • 2 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, deseeded and chopped
  • Juice of 2 oranges (about ¾ cup)
  • Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
  • Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
  • Chopped onion and cilantro, for serving
  • Sliced avocado, for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Queso fresco or cotija cheese, for serving
  • Salsa or hot sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into large chunks (around 4–5 inches wide). Season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin.
  2. Place the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seasoned pork on top. Pour in the orange juice and lime juice.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily.
  4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  5. Optional but Recommended: Crisp the carnitas. Preheat your broiler. Spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet and drizzle with a few spoonfuls of the cooking juices. Broil for 5–7 minutes until the edges get crispy. Flip and broil another 5 minutes. Alternatively, crisp in a skillet with your favorite seasonings.
  6. Serve the carnitas in warm tortillas with your desired toppings like chopped onion, cilantro, avocado, cheese, salsa, and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Use pork shoulder or pork butt for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • The citrus juice tenderizes and flavors the meat, so don’t skip it.
  • Crisping the carnitas is key for that authentic texture.
  • Leftovers are even better the next day; store them with some cooking liquid to keep the meat moist.
  • This recipe is freezer-friendly, making it great for meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://bakerslider.com/carnitas-crockpot-tacos/

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