If you don’t have a slow cooker I think this recipe alone is worth the $25 or $30 investment (we use this basic, inexpensive slow cooker). We have tested these pork tacos on quite a lot of people (including our dinner club guests), and it gets rave reviews every time!
I’ve also already shared another slow cooker favorite of ours “The Best Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot,” which can easily be turned into overnight homemade chicken stock. There is no better way than a slow cooker to make inexpensive cuts of meat delish.
Pork Carnitas Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, (or Boston butt roast) cut into 5 or 6 small pieces (in Charlotte we use pork from Grateful Growers Farm, which is sold at the Matthews Farmers’ Market and Hillbilly Produce)
- 3 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 onion, cut into 6 or 8 chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, whole
- 1 recipe salsa, Tomatillo (Link in notes. Use this recipe or can be purchased at Trader Joe’s, though theirs is a bit salty)
- 1 ½ recipe corn tortillas, See recipe link in notes
- 2 avocados, sliced
- cilantro
Instructions
- Mix together oregano, pepper, salt, and cumin and rub on outside of pork pieces in bottom of slow cooker.
- Throw onion and garlic on top of pork.
- Slow cook on low for 6 – 8 hours or until meat is falling apart.
- When finished discard the onion and garlic. Drain meat and shred with a fork.
- Serve warm with tortillas, tomatillo salsa, avocados and cilantro.
Recipe Notes
Recipe - Tomatillo Salsa
Recipe - Whole-Grain Corn Tortillas
We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Nutrition Facts
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Hello there!!!
I have made this carnitas recipe several times, A family and friends favorite pork Carnitas. I just do it slightly diferent. I add orange juice from the fruit and a laurel leave. It add the flavor that I remember from my childhood in México.
Sounds delicious! I’ll have to try that next time. – Jason
Do you think I could substituted chicken thighs? I’m making one batch pork and then looking for an alternative for a few non pork eaters.
We have not made this recipe with chicken. If you give it a try, let us know.
These carnitas were simply amazing!!! Made them for a birthday fiesta and everyone was raving about their goodness!!! Thank you for such a simple yet delicious recipe!
Does anyone have recommendations on what to substitute for the avocado? I love it, but I have a severe avocado allergy.
While the avocado is admittedly hard to replace :) , I’d say any other of your favorite taco-style toppings would do.
Makes a great pulled pork. Very tender and easy to shred! I did add some cayenne and ancho chili powders for some heat.
Good to snack on cold too.
I made this today, along with the whole-grain corn tortillas and the tomatillo sauce. Wow!!! We loved it! My husband and son requested that I make this again! It is a definite keeper!
No liquid or browning?
Hi. Nope and it makes its own juices.
I make mine with the juice of 4 oranges and 4 limes, garlic, cumin, and oregano … served the same way. So yummy!