Carnitas, which translates to “little meats” in Spanish, is a popular Mexican dish that originated in the state of Michoacán. It is a type of slow-cooked pork that is typically braised in lard or its own fat until tender and crispy. The dish is often served with fresh salsa, warm tortillas, and a variety of toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and sour cream. In this article, we will explore how to cook carnitas in a slow cooker, a method that is both easy and delicious.
The Benefits of Cooking Carnitas in a Slow Cooker
Cooking carnitas in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare this dish because it allows for hands-off cooking and results in tender and flavorful meat. Here are some benefits of cooking carnitas in a slow cooker:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy people because they allow for hands-off cooking. Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious and ready-to-eat meal.
- Tender meat: Slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, such as pork shoulder, because they break down the connective tissues and result in tender and juicy meat.
- Flavorful meat: Slow cookers allow for the meat to absorb all the flavors of the spices and seasonings, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To cook carnitas in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size)
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Preparing the Ingredients
Before cooking the carnitas, you will need to prepare the ingredients. Here’s how:
- Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the lard or oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the garlic, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the orange and lime juice to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Cooking the Carnitas in the Slow Cooker
To cook the carnitas in the slow cooker, follow these steps:
- Add the browned pork chunks, garlic and spice mixture, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Pour in the orange and lime juice mixture and stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the pork for tenderness. If it is not tender, cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once the pork is tender, remove the bay leaves and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Browning the Carnitas
To add crispy texture to the carnitas, you will need to brown them in a skillet. Here’s how:
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of lard or oil to the skillet.
- Add the shredded pork to the skillet and press down on the meat with a spatula to get a crispy crust on the bottom.
- Cook the pork for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
Serving the Carnitas
Carnitas can be served in a variety of ways, including:
- Tacos: Serve the carnitas in tacos with your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and sour cream.
- Burritos: Add the carnitas to burritos along with beans, cheese, and vegetables.
- Salads: Top a salad with carnitas, diced onions, cilantro, and a citrus vinaigrette.
- Sandwiches: Serve the carnitas on a sandwich with your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, cilantro, and salsa.
Traditional Toppings for Carnitas
Here are some traditional toppings for carnitas:
- Salsa: A spicy salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Diced onions: Thinly sliced or diced onions add a sweet and crunchy texture to the carnitas.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh and herbal flavor to the carnitas.
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy and creamy element to the carnitas.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the carnitas.
Variations on the Recipe
Here are some variations on the recipe:
- Spicy carnitas: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the slow cooker for an extra spicy kick.
- Citrus-herb carnitas: Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano, to the slow cooker along with some citrus juice, such as lemon or orange.
- Smoky carnitas: Add some liquid smoke to the slow cooker for a smoky flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking carnitas in a slow cooker:
- Overcooking the pork: Make sure to check the pork for tenderness after 6 hours and avoid overcooking it, which can result in dry and tough meat.
- Not browning the pork: Browning the pork before adding it to the slow cooker adds a rich and caramelized flavor to the dish. Don’t skip this step!
- Not using enough liquid: Make sure to use enough liquid in the slow cooker to cover the pork and result in tender and juicy meat.
Conclusion
Cooking carnitas in a slow cooker is a delicious and easy way to prepare this traditional Mexican dish. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can create tender and flavorful carnitas that are perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, and sandwiches. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
What is Carnitas and how does it differ from other Mexican dishes?
Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the state of Michoacán. It is a type of slow-cooked pork that is braised in its own lard, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. What sets Carnitas apart from other Mexican dishes is the way the pork is cooked, which involves a long and slow cooking process that breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and juicy.
Unlike other Mexican dishes, such as tacos al pastor or carne asada, which are typically grilled or pan-fried, Carnitas is cooked in a slow cooker or Dutch oven, which allows for a rich and intense flavor to develop. The slow cooking process also makes Carnitas a convenient and easy dish to prepare, as it can be left to cook for several hours with minimal supervision.
What type of pork is best for making Carnitas?
The best type of pork for making Carnitas is pork shoulder or pork butt. This cut of meat is ideal because it is rich in connective tissue, which breaks down during the slow cooking process, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Pork shoulder or pork butt is also relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it a great option for those looking to make a delicious and affordable meal.
When selecting a pork shoulder or pork butt, look for a cut that is well-marbled with fat, as this will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process. You can also use other cuts of pork, such as pork belly or pork shanks, but pork shoulder or pork butt is the most traditional and widely used cut for making Carnitas.
What are the essential ingredients for making Carnitas in a slow cooker?
The essential ingredients for making Carnitas in a slow cooker include pork shoulder or pork butt, lard or vegetable oil, onion, garlic, orange juice or lime juice, and spices such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder. You will also need salt and pepper to season the meat. Optional ingredients include diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and chopped fresh cilantro.
These ingredients may vary depending on the recipe and personal preferences. However, the key to making delicious Carnitas is to use high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavorings. You can also add other ingredients such as diced potatoes or carrots to make the dish more substantial.
How long does it take to cook Carnitas in a slow cooker?
Cooking Carnitas in a slow cooker can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the size of the pork shoulder or pork butt and the desired level of tenderness. It’s best to cook the Carnitas on low heat for 10-12 hours, as this will allow for a rich and intense flavor to develop.
If you’re short on time, you can also cook the Carnitas on high heat for 4-6 hours. However, keep in mind that the meat may not be as tender and the flavors may not be as developed. It’s also important to note that the Carnitas will continue to cook and become more tender as it rests, so it’s best to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can I make Carnitas in a slow cooker without lard?
Yes, you can make Carnitas in a slow cooker without lard. While lard is traditional in Carnitas, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or other types of fat, such as coconut oil or avocado oil. Keep in mind that using a different type of fat may affect the flavor and texture of the Carnitas.
If you choose to use vegetable oil, make sure to use a high-quality oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil or grapeseed oil. You can also add a small amount of bacon fat or chicken fat to give the Carnitas a richer flavor. However, keep in mind that using a different type of fat may not produce the same level of tenderness and flavor as using lard.
How do I serve Carnitas?
Carnitas can be served in a variety of ways, including in tacos, on a plate with rice and beans, or as a filling for sandwiches and salads. You can also serve Carnitas with a variety of toppings, such as diced onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sour cream.
One of the most traditional ways to serve Carnitas is in a taco, with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dash of salsa. You can also serve Carnitas with a side of warm tortillas, refried beans, and Mexican rice. The key is to be creative and experiment with different toppings and sides to find your favorite way to enjoy Carnitas.
Can I make Carnitas ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?
Yes, you can make Carnitas ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. In fact, Carnitas is one of those dishes that gets better with time, as the flavors meld together and the meat becomes more tender. You can cook the Carnitas and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
If you choose to refrigerate the Carnitas, make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it. You can then reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving. If you choose to freeze the Carnitas, make sure to let it cool completely before freezing it. You can then thaw it in the refrigerator or reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.