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 tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Traditionally, carnitas is cooked in a large pot over an open flame, but with the help of a slow cooker, you can make this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.
What is Carnitas?
Carnitas is a type of Mexican dish that consists of slow-cooked pork that is shredded and fried until crispy. The pork is typically cooked in its own lard, which gives it a rich and tender texture. The dish is often served with fresh salsa, warm tortillas, and a variety of toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and sour cream.
A Brief History of Carnitas
Carnitas has a long history that dates back to the 16th century. The dish originated in the state of Michoacán, where it was cooked by the indigenous people of the region. The original recipe consisted of slow-cooking pork in its own lard, which was then shredded and fried until crispy. Over time, the recipe was adapted and modified by different regions and cultures, resulting in the various types of carnitas that we know today.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker to make carnitas is a great way to prepare this delicious dish. Here are some of the benefits of using a slow cooker:
- Convenience: A slow cooker allows you to cook your carnitas while you are busy with other tasks. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Tender Meat: The low heat and long cooking time of a slow cooker make it perfect for cooking tough cuts of meat. The result is tender and juicy pork that is full of flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: Making carnitas in a slow cooker is easy and requires minimal preparation. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to making carnitas, the right cut of meat is essential. Here are some tips for choosing the right cut of meat:
- Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder is a popular cut of meat for making carnitas. It is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
- Pork Belly: Pork belly is another popular cut of meat for making carnitas. It is rich, tender, and full of flavor.
- Pork Butt: Pork butt is a leaner cut of meat that is perfect for making carnitas. It is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Here are the ingredients and equipment needed to make carnitas in a slow cooker:
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 4 corn tortillas, for serving
- Salsa, for serving
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Instructions for Making Carnitas in a Slow Cooker
Here are the instructions for making carnitas in a slow cooker:
- In the slow cooker, combine the pork, lard or oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- After 8 hours, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix well to combine.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the pork from the slow cooker and add it to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the pork is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve the carnitas hot with fresh salsa, warm tortillas, and a variety of toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and sour cream.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations for making carnitas in a slow cooker:
- Add Some Heat: If you like spicy food, you can add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the slow cooker for an extra kick of heat.
- Use Different Types of Meat: While pork is the traditional meat used to make carnitas, you can also use beef, chicken, or a combination of meats.
- Add Some Aromatics: Onions, carrots, and celery are all great aromatics that you can add to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making carnitas in a slow cooker:
- Overcooking the Pork: Carnitas should be tender and juicy, but not overcooked. Make sure to check the pork regularly to avoid overcooking.
- Not Browning the Pork: Browning the pork is an essential step in making carnitas. It adds flavor and texture to the dish. Make sure to brown the pork in a skillet before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions for carnitas:
- Tacos: Serve the carnitas in tacos with fresh salsa, diced onions, cilantro, and sour cream.
- Salads: Add the carnitas to a salad with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette.
- Grilled Cheese: Add the carnitas to a grilled cheese sandwich for a twist on a classic comfort food.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for carnitas:
| Nutrition Information | Amount |
| ——————— | —— |
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 30g |
Conclusion
Making carnitas in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare this delicious Mexican dish. With its tender and juicy texture, rich flavor, and ease of preparation, carnitas is a dish that is sure to please. Whether you serve it in tacos, salads, or grilled cheese sandwiches, carnitas is a versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion.
What is Carnitas and how does it taste?
Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of slow-cooked pork that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The pork is typically cooked in its own lard, which gives it a rich and unctuous texture. When you take a bite of carnitas, the first thing you’ll notice is the tender and fall-apart texture of the pork. The flavor is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy, with a hint of smokiness from the slow-cooking process.
The best part about carnitas is that it’s incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with a variety of toppings and sides to suit your taste. Some popular options include diced onions, salsa, avocado, sour cream, and warm tortillas. You can also use carnitas as a filling for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
What are the main ingredients needed for Carnitas Slow Cooker recipe?
The main ingredients needed for the Carnitas Slow Cooker recipe are pork shoulder, lard or vegetable oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and spices. You’ll also need some aromatics like onions and bay leaves to add depth and flavor to the dish. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also include some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
It’s worth noting that you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can use different types of pork, such as pork belly or pork loin, or add other ingredients like diced tomatoes or potatoes. However, the basic ingredients listed above will give you a delicious and authentic carnitas flavor.
How long does it take to cook Carnitas in a slow cooker?
One of the best things about cooking carnitas in a slow cooker is that it’s incredibly easy and hands-off. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it to low, and let it cook for 8-10 hours. This will give the pork plenty of time to tenderize and absorb all the flavors.
If you’re short on time, you can also cook the carnitas on high for 4-6 hours. However, keep in mind that the pork may not be as tender and fall-apart as it would be if you cooked it on low for a longer period of time. Either way, the result will be delicious and well worth the wait.
Can I make Carnitas without a slow cooker?
While a slow cooker is the easiest and most convenient way to make carnitas, you can also make it without one. One option is to cook the pork in a Dutch oven or heavy pot on the stovetop or in the oven. This will require more attention and stirring, but the result will be similar to the slow cooker method.
Another option is to use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, which can significantly reduce the cooking time. Simply brown the pork and cook the aromatics, then add all the ingredients to the pressure cooker and cook for 30-60 minutes. This will give you tender and flavorful carnitas in a fraction of the time.
How do I shred the pork for Carnitas?
Shredding the pork is one of the most important steps in making carnitas. To do this, simply use two forks to pull the pork apart into shreds. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a meat shredder to make the process easier and faster.
It’s worth noting that the pork should be tender and easily shreddable after cooking. If it’s not, you may need to cook it for a longer period of time or use a different cooking method. Once the pork is shredded, you can use it to make tacos, burritos, or other Mexican dishes.
Can I make Carnitas ahead of time?
One of the best things about carnitas is that it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply cook the pork and shred it, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to use it. This is a great option if you’re planning a party or special event and want to make the dish ahead of time.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the carnitas in a pan with some oil or lard until it’s crispy and golden brown. You can also add some extra flavorings, such as diced onions or salsa, to give it an extra boost of flavor.
What are some popular ways to serve Carnitas?
Carnitas is an incredibly versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Some popular options include tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes. You can also serve it with some warm tortillas, diced onions, and salsa for a simple and delicious meal.
Another option is to use carnitas as a filling for sandwiches or salads. Simply shred the pork and add it to your favorite sandwich or salad, along with some diced onions, salsa, and avocado. You can also use carnitas as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos for a delicious and satisfying snack.