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Crock Pot Pork Carnitas

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features a pork shoulder gently rubbed with a blend of cumin, oregano, and spices, then slow-cooked until tender in its own juices. After cooking, the pork is shredded, tossed with fresh lime juice, and broiled to achieve crispy, caramelized edges. The result is a succulent, richly flavored pork ideal for serving with warm corn tortillas or as a satisfying main dish. The overnight seasoning step deepens the flavor, while using a bone-in cut enhances juiciness and richness. This approach balances tender meat with a crispy finish to delight the palate.

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A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:36:51 GMT
A plate of pork carnitas with onions and limes. Bookmark
A plate of pork carnitas with onions and limes. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

These Crock Pot Pork Carnitas bring together tender, flavorful pork with a crispy finish that makes every bite irresistible. With simple seasoning and a slow cooking process, this dish transforms a basic pork shoulder into a festive crowd-pleaser perfect for tacos, burritos, or even salads.

I made this for a family gathering, and it quickly became a request whenever we want a simple but impressive meal. The lime juice brightens the pork beautifully and the spice blend is perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder roast also called Boston butt: choose one with a good fat cap to keep the meat moist during long cooking
  • Olive or vegetable oil: helps spices adhere and adds richness
  • Creole seasoning: offers a nice blend of herbs and spice to build flavor
  • Kosher salt: essential for seasoning and enhancing the pork’s natural taste
  • Cumin: warm and earthy, adds depth to the spice profile
  • Oregano: gives a hint of herbal brightness Mexican oregano if available is ideal but regular oregano works fine
  • Onion powder: adds a subtle savory note without overpowering
  • Lime: fresh lime juice is key for balancing richness and adding a bright citrus finish

Instructions

Searing and Preparing the Pork:
Unwrap the pork roast and pat it dry thoroughly with a paper towel. This ensures a good sear and prevents steaming. Rub the roast all over with oil to help the spices stick better. Mix the creole seasoning, kosher salt, cumin, oregano, and onion powder in a bowl. Generously coat the pork with this spice mix, rubbing it in well to infuse every inch. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors fully develop.
Slow Cooking the Pork:
Remove the pork from the fridge and place it fat side up in the crock pot. No extra liquid is needed because the meat will cook in its own juices. Cook on high for about six hours or low for ten hours until it is fall-apart tender. The long cooking time breaks down the connective tissue and creates juicy pork that shreds easily.
Shredding and Finishing with a Crispy Broil:
Take the cooked pork out of the crock pot and transfer it to a foil-lined baking sheet. Carefully pour half a cup of the rendered cooking liquid into a separate container to use for moisture and flavor while broiling. Shred the pork into chunks, removing any remaining bone and excess fat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over all the pork and toss the discarded lime wedges in for extra zing. Drizzle some of the reserved liquid on top, then spread the meat out under the oven broiler set to high. Watch carefully as the edges start sizzling and crisping, about five minutes. This step adds the irresistible texture contrast that makes carnitas special. Serve the hot, crispy pork piled into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like chopped onion, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices.
A dish of pork carnitas with limes on top.
A dish of pork carnitas with limes on top. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

My favorite part is the quick broil at the end that gives the pork those perfect crispy edges. Once after making this recipe for a big Cinco de Mayo party, my family surprised me by declaring it their new favorite taco filling. That moment hooked me on always keeping pork shoulder on hand for carnitas.

Storage Tips

Leftover carnitas keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When ready to eat, reheat gently covered with foil and finish under the broiler for a few minutes to refresh that texture. Carnitas also freeze beautifully if you want to make a big batch. Portion into freezer bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Creole seasoning, substitute with a combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne for a similar flavor profile. For oregano, Mexican oregano is preferred but dried Mediterranean oregano works too. If you do not have a crock pot, you can slow cook the pork in a covered Dutch oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about four to five hours or until tender.

Serving Suggestions

Try serving the carnitas in warm corn tortillas with pickled red onions, fresh avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. Alternatively, use the meat as a flavorful topping on nachos or mixed into a hearty grain bowl with black beans and roasted vegetables.

A bowl of pork carnitas with onions and limes.
A bowl of pork carnitas with onions and limes. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Finish the pork under the broiler just until the edges are crisp for the best contrast of textures. These carnitas scale easily for a crowd and reheat beautifully when frozen.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What cut of pork works best?

A bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt) with a good fat cap is ideal for tender, juicy carnitas. Boneless can be used but fat helps retain moisture.

→ Why season the pork overnight?

Letting the pork rest overnight in the spice rub allows flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing the overall taste and tenderness.

→ How are the crispy edges achieved?

After slow cooking, shredded pork is broiled on high to create sizzling, crispy edges while maintaining juicy interior meat.

→ Is additional liquid needed for cooking?

No extra liquid is added. The pork cooks slowly in its own rendered juices, preserving flavor and moisture naturally.

→ What spices are used in the seasoning mix?

The blend includes cumin, oregano, creole seasoning, kosher salt, and onion powder, giving a vibrant, balanced flavor profile.

→ Can this method be used with other cooking styles?

Yes, the seasoning and cooking technique work well for slow cookers or oven roasting at low temperatures for tender meat.

Crock Pot Pork Carnitas

Slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with cumin, oregano, and lime, finished with crispy edges and juicy tenderness.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
360 minutes
Total Time
375 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: Mexican-inspired

Portion Size: 6 Serving Size (Approximately 6 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Meat

01 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (Boston butt), bone-in preferred

→ Seasonings

02 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 1 teaspoon onion powder

→ Others

07 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
08 1 lime, cut into wedges
09 Corn tortillas, for serving

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Unwrap the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 02

Combine creole seasoning, kosher salt, cumin, oregano, and onion powder in a small bowl and blend thoroughly.

Step 03

Rub the pork shoulder evenly with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere. Then, apply the spice mixture all over the roast, massaging it into the meat.

Step 04

Wrap the seasoned pork tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to penetrate.

Step 05

Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker fat side up. Cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 10 hours, without adding liquid; the meat will cook in its own rendered juices.

Step 06

Transfer the cooked pork to a foil-lined baking sheet. Reserve ½ cup of cooking juices. Remove the shoulder bone and discard any large fatty pieces. Shred the meat into chunks.

Step 07

Squeeze lime wedges over the shredded pork and toss the wedges into the pan. Drizzle the reserved ½ cup of cooking liquid over the meat to enhance moisture and flavor.

Step 08

Place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack and broil on high for approximately 5 minutes until the pork edges begin to crisp and sizzle.

Step 09

Remove from oven and serve warm with corn tortillas and desired toppings such as chopped onions and fresh cilantro.

Additional Notes

  1. For deeper flavor, marinate the pork overnight. Selecting a pork shoulder with a good fat cap will keep the meat moist during slow cooking.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker (crock pot)
  • Baking sheet lined with aluminum foil
  • Oven with broiler setting

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains pork; verify seasoning ingredients for allergens.