Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Mexican Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, shredded pork simmered with orange juice, cumin, and chili powder, perfect for tacos or burritos with a fresh squeeze of lime. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 255 minutes pairs cut into large chunks Pork shoulder, freshly squeezed 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 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: 240 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over 3 pounds of pork shoulder chunks.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned pork chunks for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Transfer pork to a slow cooker. Add 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup water.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to the juices and stir to absorb flavors.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for a delicious taco filling.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Mexican Spices take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Mexican Spices?

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 freshly squeezed orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Mexican Spices?

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 Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Mexican Spices 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 Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Mexican Spices?

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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