Slow-Cooked Mexican Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Cumin
Tender and flavorful slow-cooked pork seasoned with cumin and citrus, perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs cut into 3-inch chunks pork shoulder, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, cut into 3-inch chunks pork shoulder
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, chopped onion
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tsp ground cumin, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper; whisk to blend.
- Step 2: Add 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks and 1 chopped medium onion to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated pork chunks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned on all sides.
- Step 4: Transfer seared pork to a slow cooker, pour remaining marinade over, and add 2 bay leaves.
- Step 5: Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until pork is very tender and easily shredded.
- Step 6: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Optional: spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes for crispy edges before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Mexican Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Cumin take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Slow-Cooked Mexican 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 fresh orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Mexican 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 Slow-Cooked Mexican 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 Slow-Cooked Mexican 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.
