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 braised pork that is slow-cooked in its own lard until tender and crispy. Traditionally, carnitas is cooked in a large pot over an open flame, but with the advent of slow cookers, it is now possible to make this delicious dish with minimal effort and time. In this article, we will explore the art of making carnitas in a slow cooker and provide you with a simple recipe to get you started.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker to make carnitas offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows for hands-off cooking, which means you can leave the pork to cook while you attend to other tasks. Secondly, slow cookers are designed to distribute heat evenly, ensuring that the pork is cooked consistently throughout. Finally, slow cookers are perfect for cooking tougher cuts of meat, such as pork shoulder, which becomes tender and falls apart easily after several hours of cooking.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to making carnitas, the right cut of meat is essential. You want to choose a cut that is high in fat, as this will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process. The most popular cut of meat for carnitas is pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt or pork butt. This cut is ideal because it is high in fat and has a lot of connective tissue, which breaks down during cooking to create a tender and juicy texture.
Other Cuts of Meat You Can Use
While pork shoulder is the most traditional cut of meat for carnitas, you can also use other cuts of meat, such as pork belly or pork shank. Pork belly is a fattier cut of meat, which makes it perfect for carnitas. However, it can be more expensive than pork shoulder and may require a longer cooking time. Pork shank, on the other hand, is a leaner cut of meat, which makes it less ideal for carnitas. However, it can still be used if you prefer a leaner dish.
The Basic Ingredients
To make carnitas in a slow cooker, you will need the following basic ingredients:
- 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 salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
In addition to the basic ingredients, you can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavor of your carnitas. Some optional ingredients include:
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
The Cooking Process
To make carnitas in a slow cooker, follow these steps:
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Before cooking the pork in the slow cooker, it is essential to brown it in a pan to create a crispy exterior. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork chunks. Cook the pork for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pork in the Slow Cooker
Add the browned pork to the slow cooker and pour in the lard or vegetable oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Step 3: Shred the Pork
After the pork has cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the juices.
Step 4: Crisp the Pork
To crisp the pork, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of lard or vegetable oil. Add the shredded pork to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy. Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
Serving Suggestions
Carnitas can be served in a variety of ways, including:
Tacos
Serve the carnitas in tacos with your favorite toppings, such as diced onion, diced cilantro, sliced avocado, and sour cream.
Salads
Add the carnitas to a salad with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette.
Grilled Cheese
Use the carnitas as a filling in a grilled cheese sandwich, along with sliced cheese and diced onion.
Conclusion
Making carnitas in a slow cooker is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this traditional Mexican dish. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a tender and flavorful pork that is perfect for tacos, salads, and grilled cheese sandwiches. So why not give it a try and experience the rich flavors of Mexico in the comfort of your own home?
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 8-10 hours | 8 hours 30 minutes |
Servings: 6-8 people
Calories per serving: 350-400
Note: The nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
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.
The slow cooking process also allows the pork to absorb all the flavors of the spices and seasonings, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. Unlike other Mexican dishes that may be cooked quickly over high heat, Carnitas is a dish that requires patience and time, but the end result is well worth the wait.
What are the benefits of using a slow cooker to make Carnitas?
Using a slow cooker to make Carnitas is a game-changer. One of the biggest benefits is the convenience it offers. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious and tender meal. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to go about your day without having to worry about cooking dinner.
Another benefit of using a slow cooker is the even heat it provides. The slow cooker cooks the pork at a consistent temperature, which ensures that the meat is cooked evenly throughout. This is especially important when cooking Carnitas, as it can be easy to overcook the pork if it’s not cooked at a consistent temperature.
What type of pork is best to use for Carnitas?
The best type of pork to use for Carnitas is pork shoulder or pork butt. This cut of meat is ideal because it has a good balance of fat and lean meat, which makes it tender and flavorful. The fat in the pork shoulder also helps to keep the meat moist and juicy during the long cooking process.
When selecting a pork shoulder, look for one that has a good layer of fat on it. This will help to keep the meat moist and add flavor to the dish. You can also use other cuts of pork, such as pork belly or pork shanks, but pork shoulder is the most traditional and widely used cut for Carnitas.
Can I make Carnitas without a slow cooker?
While a slow cooker is the most convenient way to make Carnitas, it’s not the only way. You can also make Carnitas on the stovetop or in the oven. To make Carnitas on the stovetop, simply brown the pork in a large Dutch oven, then add the spices and lard, and simmer the mixture over low heat for several hours.
To make Carnitas in the oven, brown the pork in a large Dutch oven, then transfer it to the oven and cook it at a low temperature (around 300°F) for several hours. While these methods can produce delicious results, they do require more attention and stirring than using a slow cooker.
How do I serve Carnitas?
Carnitas is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. One of the most traditional ways to serve Carnitas is with fresh tortillas, diced onions, and salsa. Simply shred the pork and serve it with warm tortillas, and let everyone assemble their own tacos.
You can also serve Carnitas with other traditional Mexican sides, such as refried beans, Mexican rice, and grilled vegetables. For a more modern twist, try serving Carnitas in a salad or as a filling for sandwiches or quesadillas. The possibilities are endless, and the dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Can I make Carnitas ahead of time?
One of the best things about Carnitas is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, the dish is often better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. To make Carnitas ahead of time, simply cook the pork in the slow cooker, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the pork in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, and serve it with your favorite toppings and sides. You can also make the toppings and sides ahead of time, such as diced onions and salsa, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Is Carnitas a spicy dish?
Carnitas is not typically a spicy dish, although it can be made spicy if you prefer. The traditional recipe for Carnitas includes a blend of spices, such as cumin, oregano, and garlic, which add flavor to the dish without making it spicy.
However, if you like a little heat in your Carnitas, you can add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the slow cooker with the pork. You can also serve the Carnitas with spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side, which allows everyone to add as much heat as they like.