Crunchy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas
Crunchy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas deliver tender, citrusy pork with caramelized, crisp edges that contrast beautifully with juicy, spiced shreds. Orange and lime brighten the rich meat while a final sear and broil add irresistible texture, making it perfect for taco nights or casual gatherings. Serve with warm tortillas, cilantro, diced onion, and extra lime for a fresh finish.
- Prep20 mins
- Cook6 hrs
- Serves10
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Crunchy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 45 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 0.32 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 52 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Unprocessed or minimally processed
- 1 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 32
- Heart Health
- 56
- Metabolic
- 12
- Digestive
- 20
- Inflammatory
- 48
- Performance
- 29
- General Wellness
- 1
Cut the pork into 5 to 6 large pieces. Season each piece evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin.
- 2
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the pork in a single layer to the hot skillet; if it does not all fit, cook in 2 batches. Cook the pork without moving it until well browned on the first side, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the meat and place it in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- 3
Add the onion to the hot skillet and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with orange juice, lime juice, and 1 1/4 cups water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour the liquid over the pork in the slow cooker, add the bay leaves, and cover.
- 4
Cook on High for 4 to 5 hours or on Low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
- 5
Preheat the oven to broil. Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred into pieces about 2 to 3 inches long, and spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon some of the juices evenly over the pork, reserving about 1 cup of juices for serving. Broil the pork for 3 to 5 minutes, or until slightly crisp and browned, tossing halfway if needed.
- 6
Serve in toasted tortillas with japaleno slices, chopped onion, cilantro, and lime wedges, or as desired.
- Calories 460.06 kcal High 23%
- Protein 34.95 g Good Source 70%
- Carbohydrate 6.65 g 2%
- Total Fat 31.95 g High 41%
- Saturated Fat 9.91 g High 50%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 105.24 mg High 35%
- Sodium 161.61 mg Moderate 7%
- Dietary Fiber 0.47 g Low Source 2%
- Total Sugars 2.56 g --
- Added Sugars 0.09 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 17.39 mg Low Source 1%
- Iron 2.21 mg Moderate 12%
- Potassium 91.18 mg Low Source 2%
- Vitamin A 1.74 mcg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin C 13.77 mg Moderate 15%
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Citrus 🍊
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
- Alcohol 🚫🍷
About This Recipe
Crunchy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas is made with 12 ingredients and serves 10. It takes about 6 hrs 20 mins and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Ancho Chile Powder, Black Pepper, Bone In Pork Shoulder Butt Roast, and Dried Bay Leaves. Each serving provides about 460.06 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Crunchy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas made of?
- The main ingredients are Ancho Chile Powder, Black Pepper, Bone-In Pork Shoulder Butt Roast, Dried Bay Leaves, Garlic Powder. The full list of 12 is above.
- How long does it take to make Crunchy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas?
- About 6 hrs 20 mins in total: 20 mins to prepare and 6 hrs to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 460.06 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Crunchy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 12 ingredients and 6 steps.
- Is Crunchy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas healthy?
- Crunchy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas has an easyChef Pro health score of 36/100. Per serving, it provides 460.06 calories and 34.95 g of protein, or 70% of the Daily Value. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 161.61 mg (7% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 9.91 g (50% of the Daily Value). It contains Citrus, Wheat, Gluten, Garlic, Onions and Alcohol, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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