These Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos are so easy to make. The pork is cooked in a slow cooker then broiled in the oven, so the edges get crispy with the middle stays juicy and flavorful.
I love how simple and easy this taco recipe is. The pork cooks in a crockpot with onion, jalapenos, garlic, orange juice, and spices.
The meat comes out so tender and full of flavor. If you want to make the meat crispy ( which you don’t have to, it’s delicious without this step), then you can broil it in the oven for 5- 10 minutes until it gets those dark crispy bits.
If you like these tacos, then you need to try out my brisket tacos. They are just as easy to make!
I’ve made the carnitas with and without the jalapeno seeds. The seeds make the carnitas pretty spice, but I think the tortillas and cheese help mellow out the heat.
If you want your dinner to be on the spicier side, include the jalapeno seeds. If you want a more mellow taco, do not include the seeds.
Check out this post on 13 Mexican sides to serve with carnitas for great sides that will pair perfectly with your tacos.
Tips
This recipe calls for orange juice. I like using Simply Orange for this recipe. Fresh orange juice from oranges will taste better, but oranges aren’t quite in season yet.
Pulled Pork Taco Toppings
These are a few of my favorite toppings for pork tacos:
- Smashed Avacado
- Pickled Onions
- Salas
- Lime
- Cheese - Oaxaca, Cotija are more traditional, but I also like feta cheese and even goat cheese
- Pico de Gallo
Other Carnitas Recipes
Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos
Ingredients
- 1-1 ¼ lb lean boneless pork loin roast cut into 2-inch chunks
- ½ white onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeno deseeded, chopped*
- ⅓ cup orange juice you can juice 2-3 oranges or use orange juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder salt, AND pepper
- 8-10 Tortillas
- Toppings – avocado pickled onions, salsa, lime, cheese, pico de gallo
Instructions
- Add the first 10 ingredients together, pork loin to pepper, in a slow cooker, and give everything a stir to combine. Cook on low for 5-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork is done once it shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with a fork. Add the meat back into the slow cooker and stir.
- Spray a large baking sheet with oil. Move the oven rack to the place second from the top. Turn the broiler on. Scoop out meat with a slotted spoon. Spread the beef out on the pan. Drizzle with a little more of the liquid from the slow cooker.
- Place the pan in the oven. Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the meat gets crispy and the tips of the pork start to darken.
- Fill your tacos with meat and top with desired taco toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Food Safety
- Cook pork to a minimum temperature of 145F
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- See more guidelines at USDA.gov
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!