This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Carnitas recipe takes minutes to prep and is great in tacos, bean burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and more!

We love to have delicious pulled pork carnitas with some of our favorite sides, including corn tortillas or homemade Flour Tortillas, Mexican Rice, or Mexican Street Corn.

Carnitas recipe topped with cilantro in baking dish.


What is Carnitas?

Carnitas is pork cut into smaller sections and then slow-cooked. In fact, carnitas translates to “little meat”. It’s seasoned with citrus and other delicious spices.

The meat becomes permeated with flavor and is fall apart tender, making it beyond delicious. 

Carnitas are a Mexican version of pulled pork. It is flavored with delicious spices, but isn’t spicy – perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any fiesta!

This pork carnitas recipe is delicious alone, in a simple Flour Tortilla, served in Tacos, Burritos, over Nachos, or in a Quesadilla.

Best meat for carnitas, seasoned and ready for cooking.

Best Meat for Carnitas

Best cut of meat. Choose a well-marbled cut of pork. The more marbling, the more tender and juicy the shredded pork will be. Pork roast, pork shoulder, pork tenderloin, pork butt, and boneless pork ribs are all great choices. 

How much to make. Plan to buy ⅓ to ½ pound of pork per person. That may seem like a lot, but remember that the pork will lose some of its weight while cooking. If using bone-in pork, purchase a larger amount to compensate for the weight of the bone.

Keep the pork warm in the crock pot or chafing dish while serving. This pork also freezes well so go ahead and stock up. 

Seasoning carnitas in a crock pot for cooking.

How to Make Carnitas

This slow cooker carnitas recipe is easier to make than you think!!

SEASON. Begin by making the rub in a small bowl and set it aside.

Dry pork butt and rub garlic salt and pepper all over it. Put rub ingredients on pork butt and place in a slow cooker, with the fat side up.

Add minced garlic, onion, and jalapeno. Top with lime and orange juices.

COOK. Cook on HIGH for 6 hours or LOW for 9-10 hours. Let cool for 20 minutes before shredding making sure to discard any big chunks of fat.

Make it crispy using the broiler in the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spread the pulled pork evenly over the baking sheet and broil on the top rack until golden brown and crisp.

Homemade carnitas aka Mexican slow cooker pulled pork shredded in a baking dish.

Carnitas Instant Pot Instructions

To quickly make juicy, fall-apart shredded pork use an Instant Pot. 

  • Cut larger pork roasts into 2-4 sections (depending on the size) and place them in the pot.
  • Add the other ingredients.
  • Seal the lid and make sure the valve is set to “sealing”.
  • Select “manual” and set it for 60 minutes. (Double check your pots user manual for specific timing)
  • Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally, this will take about 10 minutes. Remove the valve and allow the pressure to finish releasing. 
  • Remove the lid and take out the pork. It should already be falling apart. Finish shredding the pork and serve. 

Storing Info + SIDE IDEAS

STORE leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4 days.

FREEZE in an airtight container in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Reheat. Thaw and warm it up in the crock pot or oven until hot. Be sure to include the drippings in the storage containers. The liquid will help keep the meat moist and flavorful. 

What to serve with Carnitas? Carnitas make tasty tacos topped with salsa, cheese, sour cream, avocado, tomato, or any of your favorites.

There are so many side options that go great with this recipe! Here are some of our favorites:

Close up of carnitas recipe topped with cilantro.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use pork tenderloin or pork loin instead of pork butt?

Since you want the meat to fall apart and be as tender as possible, you want a cut of pork that’s on the fattier side. Pork tenderloin and pork loin are too lean to achieve that.

Why is there orange juice in this recipe?

The acidity of orange juice helps to break down the meat so it’s super tender and easy to shred. It also adds a lot of flavor to the cooking liquid.

For more Mexican dishes, check out:

5 from 8 votes

Carnitas Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
This carnitas recipe takes minutes to prep and is great in tacos, bean burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and more!
Servings: 12
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 9 hours
Total: 9 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 4 pounds pork butt, bonless, skinless
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, deseeded, chopped
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup lime juice

Rub Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions 

  • Combine rub ingredients in a small bowl and sit aside.
  • Dry pork butt and rub garlic salt and pepper all over it. Put rub ingredients on pork butt and place in a slow cooker, with the fat side up.
  • Add minced garlic, onion, and jalapeno. Top with lime and orange juices.
  • Cook on HIGH for 6 hours or LOW for 9-10 hours.
  • Let cool for 20 minutes before shredding making sure to discard any big chunks of fat.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 91mg, Sodium: 488mg, Potassium: 571mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 47IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!


About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I tried making this the other day and we loved it! It was easy to make. Served it with flour tortillas and even the kids loved it.

  2. 5 stars
    LOVE THIS SIMPLE RECIPE BECAUSE IT TASTES LIKE I WORKED ON THE FLAVOR ALL DAY. LOVING MY NEW INSTANT POT AND FINDING ALL THE BEST RECIPES FOR IT. THIS IS A NEW FAVORITE.