06/04/2026
# Crispy Mexican Carnitas (Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos) 🌮🔥
Tender, juicy, and bursting with citrus-garlic flavor, these Crispy Mexican Carnitas are slow-cooked pork shoulder that’s finished under high heat until perfectly golden and crisp on the edges. The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat with rich, caramelized bites that are perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.
This is the kind of food that brings everyone to the table — abuela in the kitchen, kids sneaking bites, and the whole house smelling like love, chile, and home. Every bite is smoky, juicy, and packed with authentic street-style flavor.
# # Ingredients
# # # For the Carnitas
* 4 lb boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)
* 3 tsp sea salt (or 2½ tsp table salt)
* 1 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1 large yellow onion, diced
* 5 garlic cloves, peeled
* 4 tbsp lime juice
* ½ cup orange juice
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 2 bay leaves (optional)
# # # For Serving
* Fresh cilantro, chopped
* Diced onion
* Warm corn tortillas
* Lime wedges
# # Instructions
# # # 1. Season the Pork
Season the pork generously with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, making sure all sides are well coated.
# # # 2. Slow Cook the Pork
Place the diced onion and garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, lime juice, orange juice, and bay leaves. Set the pork on top.
Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours (or high for 4–5 hours), until the pork is very tender and easily shreds.
# # # 3. Shred and Moisturize
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Reserve a small amount of the cooking liquid and mix it back into the meat to keep it juicy and flavorful.
# # # 4. Crisp the Carnitas
Spread the shredded pork in an even layer on a baking sheet. Broil for a few minutes until the edges become crispy and caramelized. Stir once and broil again if needed for extra crispiness.
# # # 5. Serve
Serve the carnitas hot in warm corn tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Perfect for taco nights, parties, or anytime you’re craving bold, authentic Mexican flavor.