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.
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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
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!