Mexican-Style Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Cumin

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, flavorful pork slow-cooked with orange juice, cumin, and garlic, perfect for tacos or burritos. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs orange juice, fresh, lime juice, fresh, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder chunks into a slow cooker. Pour the citrus and spice mixture over the pork. Add 2 bay leaves and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until pork is very tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shredded pork in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring until edges are crispy and caramelized. Flip and crisp the other side for 3 more minutes.
  4. Step 4: Serve pork carnitas warm in tortillas with your favorite toppings such as diced onion, cilantro, and salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican-Style Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Cumin take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mexican-Style Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Cumin?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orange juice, fresh from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mexican-Style Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Cumin?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mexican-Style Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Cumin for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mexican-Style Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Cumin?

Mexican pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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