Slow-Cooker Spiced Pork Carnitas with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shredded pork simmered in aromatic spices, served with a fresh avocado salsa for a vibrant Mexican-inspired meal. This mexican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes blends trimmed of excess fat pork shoulder, cumin, dried oregano into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 480 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over 1.5 lbs trimmed pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place seasoned pork in a slow cooker, then pour 1 cup chicken broth over it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until pork is very tender and pulls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from slow cooker, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker. Mix with cooking liquid until well combined.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine 1 diced avocado, 1 diced tomato, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve shredded pork over warm corn tortillas with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooker Spiced Pork Carnitas with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooker Spiced Pork Carnitas with Avocado Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Spiced Pork Carnitas with Avocado Salsa?

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 Spiced Pork Carnitas with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Pork Carnitas with Avocado Salsa?

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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