Ingredients
Method
- Combine all dry spices and rub generously over every surface of the pork chunks — do not be shy with the seasoning.
- Place seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Add smashed garlic, quartered onion, orange juice, lime juice, the squeezed orange halves, and bay leaf.
- Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until pork falls apart completely when pressed with a fork.
- Remove pork to a large cutting board. Shred with two forks discarding any large pieces of fat. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
- Spread shredded pork in an even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle 3 to 4 tablespoons of reserved cooking juices over the top.
- Broil on high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the edges are dark brown and caramelized. Watch very carefully — this can go from perfect to burnt in under a minute. Toss the pork gently and broil another 2 to 3 minutes for extra crispy bits if desired.
- Warm corn tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet. Build tacos with crispy carnitas, diced white onion, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and salsa.
Nutrition
Notes
The broiling step is what makes carnitas extraordinary — do not skip it. Watch carefully under the broiler at all times. Carnitas keeps refrigerated up to 5 days and is incredible all week in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and rice bowls.
