So I have been wanting to make carnitas for awhile and when I saw how easy it was to make in the crock pot I decided to give it a go.When we went to the grocery store this week I was delighted to see how cheap pork shoulder is. We got a 4 lb pork shoulder (we chose to get bone-in for more flavor) and it only set us back $8.00. You could also do this recipe with pork butt if you prefer or if they do not have pork shoulder at your grocery store that day.
Brian ended up having the day off work today, so when I talked to him in the morning I asked if he could put this together. Luckily when it come to just throwing a couple things in a crock pot he was not afraid to give it a try.
When I got home from work I was delighted by the aromas that I could smell even before I entered the house. At dinner we were even more delighted with the outcome!
Brian could not stop saying how easy this was, and how he could not take credit for making something that was so easy to do. That is what is misunderstood about cooking, it does not have to be difficult or take a long time to create a good, satisfying meal.
Now that we have a little one coming in three short months, I'm sure this is a recipe we will make again. Nothing like throwing a couple of things in a crock pot, going to work and coming home to a great meal that only took minutes to make!
This is also a great weekend recipe if you are having company over at night and are going to be running around all day. Who doesn't love a pulled pork taco? I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as we did.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, or just use the OJ in your fridge if you want =)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime
- 8 cloves garlic (skin removed but whole)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 cup chicken broth
- corn tortillas
- sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges (chose what you like, optional)
Directions
- Use a 6 quart slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the salt and cumin. Rub mixture all over the pork, then plop into the slow cooker. Add whole garlic cloves. Squeeze on the citrus, and pour the beef broth evenly over the top.
Cook on low for about 8 hours, or until the pork shreds quite easily with a fork. - Shred meat fully and serve on warmed corn tortillas with desired toppings.
