Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pork carnitas with crispy edges, served in warm tortillas and topped with a zesty cilantro lime cabbage slaw. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 260 minutes pairs cut into chunks pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks into a slow cooker. Add 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss 1/2 head shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice until creamy and bright.
  4. Step 4: When pork is done, shred with two forks and spread on a baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tbsp vegetable oil over shredded pork and broil on high for 5-7 minutes until edges are crisp.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. Fill each tortilla with crispy pork carnitas and top with cilantro lime slaw before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 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 Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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 cut into chunks pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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 Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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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