Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus Glaze

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

Tender, pull-apart pork simmered with orange and lime until succulent, finished with a bright citrus glaze for a vibrant, flavorful meal. This mexican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 380 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 350 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: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder in slow cooker. Add 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 sliced onion, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1 minced chipotle pepper. Stir to combine.
  2. Step 2: Cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork with a slotted spoon, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Shred pork with two forks, then return to slow cooker and stir in reserved liquid until glossy.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a baking dish, top with 1 tsp lime zest, and broil on HIGH for 3-4 minutes until edges caramelize slightly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with warm corn tortillas and fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 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 Glaze?

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 Glaze?

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 Glaze 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 Glaze?

Mexican slow cooker 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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