• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ahead of Thyme logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Food Blogger Business School
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Pork » Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pulled Pork)

    Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pulled Pork)

    Leave a Comment

    60 Shares
    Pin58
    Yum1
    Share
    Tweet1
    More
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Crispy, shredded slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork) are a Mexican favorite that you can easily bring to your home. Packed with flavor from the natural juices of the slow-cooked pork and delicious seasonings such as oregano, paprika, and garlic powder, these slow cooker pork carnitas might just become your next family favorite. Enjoy over rice, potatoes, beans, or veggies, or pair with tortillas for delicious pulled pork tacos. No matter how to choose to serve them, these slow cooker pork carnitas always hit the spot.

    Crispy, shredded slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork) are a Mexican favorite that you can make at home. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and minimal dishes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

    • Crispy, salty, roasted pork. Pork is one of the most flavorful meats out there, and when you slow cook baby back ribs (or pork shoulder), the lean, tender, and flavorful meat transforms into one of the most amazing meals you’ll ever have.
    • Slow-cooked for hours. Although 6-10 hours may seem like a large time commitment for these pork carnitas, you can simply forget about them and let the slow cooker do its job. It's one of the easiest meals to throw together with basically no maintenance and minimal dishes.
    • Cook it to your liking. The last step in this slow cooker pork carnitas recipe crisps up the carnitas but it is completely optional. You can opt for the easy way out and decide you’re done cooking (and end up with something mouthwatering), or you can crisp up your pork even more in the oven to finish it off. Either way, the results are delicious, tender, and melt in your mouth.
    Crispy, shredded slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork) are a Mexican favorite that you can make at home. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and minimal dishes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredients

    To make these delicious Mexican pulled pork tacos, you will need the following ingredients:

    • pork - to get the most tender and juicy carnitas, use boneless pork shoulder or baby back ribs.
    • vegetable oil - you can use any vegetable oil such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil.
    • salt and pepper
    • seasoning - dried oregano, paprika, and garlic powder.
    • onion
    • water
    • scallions - optional, for garnish.

    You will also need measuring spoons, mixing bowl, and a slow cooker (crockpot).

    Crispy, shredded slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork) are a Mexican favorite that you can make at home. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and minimal dishes. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pulled Pork)

    1. Prepare the pork. Pat dry pork shoulder or ribs with paper towel completely and set aside. In a small bowl, stir well to combine oil with all the dry rub ingredients until smooth (salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder). Rub and spread onto pork until evenly coated.
    2. Slow cook. Spread chopped onions evenly inside a 6-quart slow cooker (or crockpot) and add water. Place pork on top of onions. If using ribs, you can stack them on top of each other. Cover and cook on 8-10 hours on the LOW setting or 4-6 hours on the HIGH setting until fork tender.
    3. Shred the pork. Shred the pork by using two forks to pull the meat apart into small bite size and discard the bones (if using ribs).
    4. Crisp the pork (optional). Add shredded pork along with some drippings from the slow cooker into a large frying pan. Spread evenly. Heat over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes until the juices evaporate and pork turns nicely brown and crispy.
    5. Serve. Garnish with scallions and serve with Cilantro Lime Rice or Pulled Pork Tacos. 
    Crispy, shredded slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork) are a Mexican favorite that you can make at home. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and minimal dishes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Serving and Storing

    • How to serve: Serve pork carnitas with White Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice and refried, pinto, or black beans, or roasted vegetables such as potatoes, broccoli, and carrots. You can also add them to tortillas to make Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos.
    • How to store: Store leftover slow cooker pork carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that raw pork is best cooked fresh and will only last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
    • How to freeze: Freeze carnitas in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
    • How to reheat: You can reheat leftover pork carnitas in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add some juices if you want to stop the meat from drying out or leave uncovered if you want to crisp up the pork.
    Crispy, shredded slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork) are a Mexican favorite that you can make at home. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and minimal dishes. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Slow Cooker Recipes

    • Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs
    • Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
    • Crockpot Beef Chili
    • Slow Cooker Bone Broth
    • Whole Chicken in the Slow Cooker
    • Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Crispy, shredded slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork) are a Mexican favorite that you can make at home. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and minimal dishes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pulled Pork)


    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 4-6 servings
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Crispy, shredded slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork) are a Mexican favorite that you can make at home. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and minimal dishes. 


    Ingredients

    • 3 lb. boneless pork shoulder or baby back ribs (2 racks)
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
    • ½ cup water
    • 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

    Instructions

    1. Pat dry pork shoulder or ribs with paper towel completely and set aside.
    2. In a small mixing bowl, stir well to combine oil with all the dry rub ingredients until smooth (salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder). Rub and spread onto pork until evenly coated.
    3. Spread chopped onions evenly inside a 6-quart slow cooker (or crockpot) and add water. Place pork on top of onions. If using ribs, you can stack them on top of each other. 
    4. Cover and cook on 8-10 hours on the LOW setting or 4-6 hours on the HIGH setting until fork tender.
    5. Shred the pork by using two forks to pull the meat apart into small bite size and discard the bones (if using ribs).
    6. To crisp the shredded pork (optional), add shredded pork along with some drippings from the slow cooker into a large frying pan. Spread evenly. Heat over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes until the juices evaporate and pork turns nicely brown and crispy.
    7. Garnish with scallions and serve with Cilantro Lime Rice or Pulled Pork Tacos. 

    Notes

    How to serve: Serve pork carnitas with White Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice and refried, pinto, or black beans, or roasted vegetables such as potatoes, broccoli, and carrots. You can also add them to tortillas to make Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos.

    How to store: Store leftover slow cooker pork carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that raw pork is best cooked fresh and will only last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

    How to freeze: Freeze carnitas in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

    How to reheat: You can reheat leftover pork carnitas in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add some juices if you want to stop the meat from drying out or leave uncovered if you want to crisp up the pork.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Pork
    • Method: Slow Cooker
    • Cuisine: Mexican

    Keywords: slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork), slow cooker carnitas, slow cooker pulled pork, crockpot carnitas, crockpot pulled pork

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Crispy, shredded slow cooker carnitas (pulled pork) are a Mexican favorite that you can make at home. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and minimal dishes. | aheadofthyme.com
    Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pulled Pork)
    60 Shares
    Pin58
    Yum1
    Share
    Tweet1
    More
    « Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad
    Mediterranean Turkey Burgers »

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Quick and easy recipes for the everyday home cook, using fresh, seasonal and wholesome ingredients -- from healthy meals to take-out to comfort foods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hi, we're Sam and Dan! We like to help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you can find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. Read more about us

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Ahead of Thyme

    Hello and welcome! I'm Sam -- the founder of Ahead of Thyme, where we help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you will find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. So stay a while, browse around, and make something tasty for dinner tonight.

    • RSS Feed
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Work with Us
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Food Blogger Business School
    • Newsletter

    Browse

    • 60+ Easy Dinners
    • 60+ Chicken Recipes
    • 25+ Ground Beef Recipes
    • 40+ Pasta Recipes
    • 50+ Bread Recipes
    • 25+ Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2021 Ahead of Thyme Incorporated