Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Spices

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

Tender and flavorful pork carnitas slow-cooked with orange juice and Mexican spices, perfect for tacos or burritos. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 515 minutes pairs 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 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 500 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 bay leaves in a slow cooker; pour in 1 cup water and stir to coat the pork evenly.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove pork from slow cooker, discard bay leaves, and shred pork using two forks.
  4. Step 4: Spread shredded pork evenly on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle 2 tbsp vegetable oil over the top, and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges become crispy and golden, stirring halfway through for even crisping.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 515 minutes (15 min prep + 500 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 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 pork shoulder from drying out.

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

Mexican cinco de mayo 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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