Careme

Location: Quality Food Center - Bellevue East (1510 145th Pl SE)

Back to shopping list

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Citrus Finish

This is the transport-friendly taco-party star: succulent pork shoulder infused with garlic, onion, and warm spices, then finished until the edges turn bronzed and crisp. It holds beautifully, tastes even better with a final squeeze of lime, and gives your spread that irresistible slow-cooked centerpiece energy.

Ingredients

  • boneless pork shoulder roast
    3 lb $4.79/lb
  • yellow onion, sliced
    1 medium $1.49
  • garlic, smashed
    4 cloves $1.50
  • orange bell pepper, sliced
    1 $2.00
  • limes
    2 $1.50
  • olive oil
    1 tablespoon
  • chili powder
    1 tablespoon
  • ground cumin
    2 teaspoons
  • dried oregano
    1 teaspoon
  • kosher salt
    1 1/2 teaspoons
  • black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon
  • orange juice
    1/4 cup

Instructions

  1. Cut the pork into 3 or 4 large pieces. Rub with olive oil, then season all over with chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Scatter the sliced onion, smashed garlic, and sliced bell pepper in the slow cooker. Nestle the pork on top and pour in the orange juice.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is tender and easy to shred but still juicy.
  4. Shred the pork in the cooker, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  5. For crisp edges, spread part or all of the pork on a sheet pan, spoon over a little cooking liquid, and broil for 5 to 8 minutes until browned at the edges.
  6. Return to the juices or pack with some juices for transport. Cut the limes into wedges and serve alongside for squeezing over the pork just before eating.

Cook time: 4-5 hours slow cooker + 8 minutes to finish

Estimated cost: $16-22

Health notes: Serves 4. Approx. 430-520 calories per serving, depending on final fat content and portion size.

Drink pairing: Mexican lager, sparkling water with lime, or juicy Garnacha.

Chef Feedback

Ask about the recipe and share how it turned out.

Sign in to ask follow-up questions

Sign in to save cooked feedback and ratings.

Recipe score: 5/10

Planned by Careme.