Slow Cooker Carnitas (3-Ingredient Pork Recipe)

5 stars from 1 review

Slow Cooker Carnitas (3-Ingredient Pork Recipe)

These Slow Cooker Carnitas are so easy, they just about cook themselves. Toss pork shoulder, onion, and salsa verde in the crockpot and go!

Author: Donna Elick

Servings: people

Prep Time5

Cook Time4

Total Time4 5

Ingredients

5 pounds boneless pork shoulder
2 cups green salsa I like 505
1 medium white onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

ADD INGREDIENTS: Place 5 pounds boneless pork shoulder in the bottom of a slow cooker. Sprinkle 1 medium white onion, diced over the pork and pour 2 cups green salsa evenly over the top.
COOK: Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
SHRED PORK: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-size pieces.
SEASON: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
ABSORB FLAVOR: Cover and cook on High for 30 minutes longer so the shredded pork absorbs the cooking juices.
FINISH: Stir once more before serving. Taste for seasoning. Add more salt as desired.
OPTIONAL - CRISP THE CARNITAS: Spread shredded pork on a rimmed baking sheet and broil 3 to 5 minutes until crispy.
Then return the crispy pork to the slow cooker juices or serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Make-Ahead: Carnitas can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Freezing: Freeze shredded carnitas in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredient Tip: Use a flavorful green salsa. A salsa made with tomatillos, garlic, and lime gives the carnitas bright flavor and balances the richness of the pork.

Nutrition