Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Pulled Meat

Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Pulled Meat is a delicious and easy meal that wins the hearts of many. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something tasty without too much hassle. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making the pork tender and flavorful. Plus, the crispy finish adds a satisfying crunch that pairs wonderfully with various sides.

How to Make Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Pulled Meat

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Directions:

1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf over the pork.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
5. To crisp the carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
6. Serve in tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.

How to Serve Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Pulled Meat

You can serve this delicious pulled pork in several ways. It’s fantastic in tacos or burritos. You can also use it as a topping for rice bowls. Add your favorite toppings like cilantro, onions, or avocado for extra flavor. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in many different meals.

How to Store Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Pulled Meat

To store leftovers, let the pork cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded pork in a freezer-safe container. It will taste great for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat.

Tips to Make Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Pulled Meat

• For maximum flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in the spice mix for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer not to use a broiler, you can crisp the pork in a hot skillet with a little oil.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The ideal internal temperature for pork is around 190°F for shredding.

Variation

You can experiment with different spices or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for varied flavor. Additionally, adjust the acidity by adding more citrus juice or even some vinegar to suit your taste preference.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of pork?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork butt or pork loin, but cooking times may vary.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 4-6 hours, but low cooking is recommended for the best tenderness.

Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Pulled Meat

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe for tender, flavorful pulled pork with a crispy finish, perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 hours hrs

Total Time 10 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 whole onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 whole orange, juiced
• 1 whole lime, juiced

Spices

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 leaf bay leaf

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf over the pork.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender.
2. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.

Crisping

1. To crisp the carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in the spice mix for a few hours or overnight before cooking. If you prefer not to use a broiler, you can crisp the pork in a hot skillet with a little oil. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The ideal internal temperature for pork is around 190°F for shredding. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator or frozen for up to three months.