Pork Carnitas

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner. While this recipe was not designed for that purpose, because I forgot, it is good timing though that I finally found a recipe I love for pork carnitas! The best thing I love about this recipe is everything goes into the slow cooker at night and by morning it is done. I can shred the pork before the day really gets crazy. It makes dinner super fast which is necessary on some nights!

A pork shoulder (or pork butt roast) is necessary to use. Yes it has more fat but that is what gives the moisture and the flavor. (When I shred the pork later I take out all that fat and throw it away.) Pat dry the pork shoulder. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t skimp on this but then again don’t over due it. I tell my Little Chefs you need to see it then there will be enough. If you cannot see it put on a little more. In a small bowl mix together the oregano and cumin with olive oil then rub it all over the pork. The Little Chefs are SO happy to be done with this step and to go wash their hands!

Sear the pork in a skillet over high heat with a little oil just until the outside has browned to trap in those juices. This should only take a few minutes. Be careful with your Little Chefs helping with this step. Sometimes the oil likes to “spit at you” as we say and it hurts if the oil lands on your skin.

In a large slow cooker with Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners (if you haven’t used these liners you are missing out, the clean up is SO easy!) place your seasoned seared pork shoulder. Add to the slow cooker the chopped onion, garlic, roasted green chili and jalapeno. These are just rough chops they will be thrown out after cooking so keep them large enough to find. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the top and add the lime to the slow cooker. Add 1 can of cola. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high 4 hours.

In the morning before things are crazy take everything out of the slow cooker. Throw out everything but the meat and juices. The meat will be very tender and very easy to shred with two forks. The meat is incredibly tender this is a very easy job for Little Chefs. Again, I like to get rid of the fat at this point. Put the shredded pork back into the slow cooker with the juices that are still remaining and keep it on low until dinner time.

 When you are preparing everything else for your meal put some oil in a saute pan. When the oil is hot add the shredded pork to brown. Press the carnitas into the oil and fry until crusty on one side.

We serve our Pork Carnitas buffet style so that everyone can choose what they desire. A meal like this is when I am so grateful I have Little Chefs who are learning to cook. Based upon their ability I can give them all a job because we serve this meal with many components. We cook tortillas for those who want burritos. Chop up some lettuce, shredded cheese, black beans, rice, make pico de gallo, and cilantro ranch dressing. It is a great way to give everyone choices, yet cook the same thing. This truly is a group cooking experience! What would you choose? A pork carnitas burrito or a pork carnitas salad?