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Tender Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe with Fresh Lime and Cilantro Easy and Perfect for Tacos

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This tender slow cooker carnitas recipe combines juicy, flavorful pork shoulder with fresh lime and cilantro for a bright, tangy finish. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, it’s a hands-off dish that delivers melt-in-your-mouth pork ideal for tacos, burrito bowls, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (120 ml)
  • Juice from 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional garnishes: diced onions, extra lime wedges, sliced radishes, avocado

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat for moisture. In a bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mix all over the pork.
  2. Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Pour orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth evenly over the meat. Add bay leaves.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily shreddable. Alternatively, cook on high for 4-5 hours for a quicker option.
  5. Carefully remove the pork and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or tongs. Remove and discard bay leaves from the slow cooker.
  6. Optional: Spread shredded pork on a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until edges brown and crisp, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Toss shredded pork with chopped cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, use bone-in pork shoulder. Leaving some fat on the pork keeps it moist. Broiling shredded pork adds a crispy texture but is optional. Add fresh lime and cilantro just before serving to maintain brightness. Leftovers taste better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker carnitas, pulled pork, tacos, easy dinner, pork shoulder, cilantro, lime, Mexican recipe, crockpot carnitas

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/tender-slow-cooker-carnitas-recipe-with-fresh-lime-and-cilantro-easy-and-perfect-for-tacos/