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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

This delicious Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas is tender, juicy, flavorful, and so simple to make! It is perfect to have on hand for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, sandwiches, and so much more! It is the perfect meal prep recipe to make in advance for your busy week ahead.
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Carbohydrates 6g
Protein 24g
Fat 3g
Saturated Fat 1g
Fiber 1g
Calories 141
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs pork tenderloin or pork cut of choice
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes

Instructions
 

  • Make spice blend by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Set aside.
  • Add onion, garlic, tomato paste, lime juice, and 1 tsp of spice mixture to the slow cooker. Stir until fully mixed.
  • Sprinkle the rest of the spice blend on the pork, patting on each side to help it stick to the meat.
  • Place pork on top of the onion mixture and top slow cooker with lid.
  • Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Total cooking time will vary based on slow cooker and cut of pork.
  • After pork is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the meat.
  • Stir to mix well with the onion mixture.
  • Optional Step: To create crispy pork carnitas, heat a heavy skillet (cast iron is best) over medium high heat. When pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil. Add the carnitas in batches, careful not to crowd the pan. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the pork. Once bottom is crispy, turn the meat, until desired crispiness is reached.
  • Serve warm as an entree or a topping to your favorite dish such as tacos, burrito bowls, salads, sandwiches, and so much more!

Notes

*The nutrition figures above should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in foods, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe.
Keyword entrees, pork, slow cooker
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