Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-05 · Updated 2026-08-05

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned and shredded, served with a crisp cilantro-lime slaw for a Whole30 Mexican-inspired meal. This Mexican-inspired pork recipe (whole30, gluten free), ready in about 495 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, garlic cloves, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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

• 2 lbs, trimmed and cut into chunks pork shoulder
• 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 3 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine 2 lbs trimmed and chunked pork shoulder with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice. Stir to coat the pork evenly.
2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is very tender and shreds easily.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 3 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp white vinegar. Toss well and refrigerate until serving.
4. Step 4: When pork is done, shred using two forks and mix with cooking juices in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Serve shredded pork carnitas topped with the cilantro-lime slaw.