slow cooker essentials: spicy carnita pork

44 Pinches 20 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on Apr 17, 2018

This recipe takes a bit of time (about 8 – 10 hours); however, most of that time the pork is getting nice and yummy in your slow cooker, or instant pot. And when it is finished you will have some pretty yummy pork, for making carnitas, put over rice, or whatever yummy way you choose to serve it. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen

prep time 15 Min
cook time 10 Hr
method Slow Cooker Crock Pot
yield Several

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 3 - 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), bone-in
  • - salt, kosher variety, to taste
  • - black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
  • 3 cloves baked garlic, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1te - chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 ounces diced green chilies, plus juice, 1 small can
  • 3/4 cup orange juice, about 2 large oranges, squeezed
  • 6 ounces dried mango slices (optional)

How To Make slow cooker essentials: spicy carnita pork

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 3
    Using a paring knife, cut 1/2-inch (1.25cm) slits over the surface of the pork, about 20 or 30.
  • Step 4
    Sprinkle salt and black pepper on the roast, and then rub it in thoroughly.
  • Step 5
    Add the grapeseed oil to a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  • Step 6
    When the oil begins to shimmer, add the pork, and sear on all sides, about 2 – 3 minutes per side.
  • Step 7
    Chef’s Tip: If your slow cooker or instant pot have a searing function, you can do the searing directly in the device’s bowl, and make this a one-pot dish.
  • Step 8
    Combine the ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, chili powder, and onion powder in a small bowl, and then rub into the roast.
  • Step 9
    Add the green chilies, garlic, dried mango slices, and orange juice to the slow cooker, and then place the pork roast on top (fat cap up).
  • Step 10
    Chef’s Note: The dried mango slices was a last-minute decision; however, I feel they really enhanced the flavor of the pork.
  • Step 11
    Allow the roast to cook for 8 – 10 hours on low, or 6 hours on high. It should be fork tender.
  • Step 12
    Remove the roast from the slow cooker, and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
  • Step 13
    Discard the bone, and shred (I usually use two forks).
  • Step 14
    Return to the slow cooker, mix with the juices, and allow to warm up, about 20 additional minutes.
  • Step 15
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • Step 16
    Serve as carnitas, or over rice. Or how about tacos, nachos, enchiladas... The list is endless. Enjoy.
  • Step 17
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

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