Slow Cooker Santa Cruz Style Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chilies

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

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork carnitas slow-cooked with citrus and chilies for a vibrant, regional twist perfect for tacos or burritos. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 505 minutes pairs cut into 3-inch chunks 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 2 dried ancho chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then soak in 1 cup orange juice for 20 minutes until softened. Blend the chilies and orange juice into a smooth sauce.
  2. Step 2: In a slow cooker, combine 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks, 1/4 cup lime juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and the blended chili-orange sauce.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Remove pork and shred with two forks.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork in batches and cook for 5-7 minutes until edges are crispy.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with warm tortillas, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Santa Cruz Style Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chilies take to make?

Total time is about 505 minutes (25 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 Cooker Santa Cruz Style Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chilies?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Santa Cruz Style Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chilies?

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 Cooker Santa Cruz Style Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chilies 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 Cooker Santa Cruz Style Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chilies?

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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