HOW TO MAKE DELICIOUS PORK CARNITAS IN A CROCKPOT: Healthier Without Sacrificing on Flavor

Traditionally carnitas are cooked in lots and lots of lard. But in this video, I show you How to Make Delicious Pork Carnitas in a Crockpot. They're so much healthier without sacrificing on flavor. Read on for the recipe.
Crockpot Pork Carnitas
2 1/2 lbs. pork butt/shoulder (cut into chucks & excess fat trimmed)
2 tsp. kosher salt (or to taste)
4-5 garlic cloves, cut into halves
2 - 3 tsp. red chile powder
1 tsp. dried Mexican oregano
1 tsp. black pepper
1 large orange
2 small limes
1 cup of cola of your choice (Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, etc.)
2 bay leaves
Season cut pieces of pork meat with salt, chile powder, oregano and black pepper. Massage spices into the meat. Place in large ziplock bag, and add garlic. Cut orange in half and squeeze in orange juice. Drop orange peel into bag, as well. Cut lime into wedges and squeeze lime juice into bag. Drop in lime peel, as well. Seal bag securely (removing air) and squish around so that pork meat is well coated. Place in refrigerator to marinate overnight.
The next morning, transfer entire content of ziplock bag into crockpot. Pour in 1 cup of cola, and add two bay leaves. Cover and let cook on Low 8 to 10 hours, or on High 4 to 6 hours. (Whether you cook on Low or on High, I recommend the longest amount of time for the most tender outcome.) After predetermined amount of time, check to see if meat easily falls apart. If it does, remove from crockpot, but reserve remaining liquid for later. Shred pork meat using two forks and place on baking sheet. Bake at 375º for 25 to 30 minutes so that carnitas get crispy on the outside. Remove from oven and pour additional liquid that was left in crockpot on top. Serve and enjoy immediately.
---------------------------
Thanks so much for checking out this video. If you liked it, be sure to give it a Thumbs Up and Subscribe to this channel so you don't miss any of my recipes. I also invite you to follow me on Instagram at / marcyinspired or on Facebook at / marcyinspired
*All music in this video used with rights from Storyblocks.

[@marcyinspired1442]

I should have mentioned, these Pork Carnitas can also be made in an Instant Pot, just adjust the time accordingly. Theyr'e really delicious, and with Cinco de Mayo coming up, this is one that will serve a crowd. Let me know in the comments if you'll be making it.

[@Tomes23]

I don’t use my crockpot that much anymore but may have to try it using this method next time.

[@steveludwig4200]

Marcy, Thanks so much for this one because my wife wanted something new to do with pork butt, I like to use the crock pot and we liked the "idea" of carnitas but not all the "lard frying". Looks like an all around winner although we might sub Dr. Pepper for the Mexican Coke...(Hoping to see a new pup in one of your videos in the near future!)

[@marcyinspired1442]

@@steveludwig4200 This really is a great crockpot recipe. Whether you cook on High or Low, I definitely recommend going the full 6 or 10 hours for the most tender results. And Dr. Pepper is a great option. So happy you'll be giving this a try. The other day I went on the same beagle rescue website where we found Miley and had me a good cry. There's some really sweet looking dogs on there. I'm really looking forward to it now, and will absolutely share that in a video when the time comes.

[@marcyinspired1442]

@@Tomes23 Glad this recipe inspired you to pull out your crockpot. I use mine quite a bit, but I really need to use my instant pot more because I know that's what most people use nowadays.

[@yolandariboni7545]

Thanks Marcy. I usually make my pork butt in the crock pot with chile verde but, you just gave me a new way to season and make carnitas. Think I will try it for Cinco de Mayo.👍🏼

[@rhinomite5203]

Hands down my favorite Mexican dish and I love it with some pico de gallo, but I will be trying that avocado tomatillo recipe with this for sure. Hope the move goes well and can't wait to see more of your recipes

[@chinoyhealingfoodstravels8888]

Greetings from Redondo Beach 🇺🇸. Carnitas are one of my favorites. Looks delicious. 🌷🌷

[@jeffpittman8725]

Hard to go wrong with pork, looks absolutely delicious!

[@marcyinspired1442]

Very true. Thanks for watching!

[@adadavis6908]

I love this! Gotta try it. Thank you!!

[@lindalaque791]

Omg they look delicious 😋 .Tks

[@marcyinspired1442]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

[@TomCramer-xu8tx]

Thank you for putting something together every week. This method is great!!!

[@marcyinspired1442]

Glad you liked it. Thank you for following my recipes.

[@StewieGriffin505]

Nice! I love the flavor of this pork.

[@marcyinspired1442]

Yes! It's so good!

[@kathleenmccrory9883]

I'm going to try this. It looks delicious 😋!

[@marcyinspired1442]

I'm happy to hear that. Hope you enjoy it.

[@mariagonzales5035]

Am ready to make these, have my ingredients ready!

[@orionwesley]

Gracias, Marcy! That looks delicious and I'm always trying to find ways to use my Crock Pot.

[@marcyinspired1442]

I know crockpots are kind of old school, but I use mine all the time. And this recipe is meant for it. Hope you like it.

[@barbarawren4731]

I do love “Carnitas”. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe…❤

[@marcyinspired1442]

Yes. It's such a simple, but satisfying meal. Glad you liked the recipe.

[@garybeshears5632]

Yummy 😋 thank you Marcy again 😊from Barbara

[@marcyinspired1442]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@kentkelly5301]

I nade this today, minus the Coke. Sooooo good!!!

[@racquelswartz5707]

This looks amazing Marcy! Making this tomorrow night for dinner. Thank you! 🥰 I’ll let you know how it turns out. ❤️

[@marcyinspired1442]

That's awesome. I definitely want to hear how it turns out.

[@leroymontano9080]

Hello from Roy utah❤ ,we love the way you do these magic meals for our Familia ,you're videos are awesome ,the music ,your hands ,the way you carry yourselve ,your just an awesome women and thank you for all your work, Saludos y bendiciones 🎉Gracias.

[@marcyinspired1442]

Wow! It's not every day we get a comment like yours! My husband and I both thank you for the kind words. We're so happy you're watching and enjoying the recipes!

[@goodolboy5228]

Great

[@marcyinspired1442]

Thanks for watching!

[@ezedozitt21]

Great! And easy to prepare 😀🐖🌶️🎉💯

[@marcyinspired1442]

Yes. It's so easy, but looks impressive. So that's a winner in my book. Glad you liked the recipe.

[@patshozo9158]

Looks great! Thank you for this carnitas recipe - I have always had to buy from a Mexican supermarket in the past... Now it will be done quickly in an InstaPot and then roasted!

[@marcyinspired1442]

Glad to hear you'll be making it at home now. You can also fry it at the end to crisp it up, I just prefer putting in the oven. It's great to have options.

[@gloriahohman2790]

All I can say OH my goodness❤❤❤

[@elviejogo2008]

Maybe not 5 de mayo, but certainly for Mother's Day (Sunday), Daughters Birthday (Monday) and her Anniversary on Tuesday. I'll head to Brazitos next week, pick up all the makin's once I'm there. Thanks for sharing!

[@normadiaz618]

On my way to the store right now!

[@marcyinspired1442]

Ha! I love to hear that! Hope you enjoy.

[@shellmaker10]

Oh my!

[@jaishannon5510]

YUM!!!

[@marcyinspired1442]

Thanks for watching!

[@donnamcl6134]

Can't wait to try your recipe. I did make Carnitas for the first time 2 weeks ago. They were good but the recipe did not have the Coke. Can't wait to try yours because I already know I'll like your recipe better!😋TFS Marcy

[@marcyinspired1442]

The Coke gives it just a bit of sweetness. You can also use Dr. Pepper. Hope this recipe is a keeper for you.

[@ottovcoffmanjr.8513]

Marcy. Where did you purchase your Mexican pottery.

[@jimscranton949]

We usually have a lunch meal at church after the service. I was thinking that we could prepare it in the crockpot the day before and then bake it in the oven the next morning, and then put it back in the crockpot to take to church to stay warm until lunch. Does this sound like a good plan?

[@marcyinspired1442]

Absolutely, that sounds like a perfect plan. I would leave plenty of the liquid in the crockpot when you put it back in, so it stays juicy. It will definitely be a hit after church.

[@mbmorgan6155]

What do you do with the left-over juices in crock pot?

[@marcyinspired1442]

You can refrigerate and use the broth for anything, just as you would use chicken or beef broth. But definitely pour plenty over the carnitas first.

[@mcaputto]

The video said 425 but the description says 375. Which is best? Thank you.

[@RussellSturgill-hs7qm]

Hello from s.w. new mexico....spell check won't let me spell peek a de òh,..but you know what I mean...it was so good I went into a feeding frenzy...can't find our chihuahua puppy..spell check has become my worst enema..thanks

[@nikpat6006]

Looks amazing but that beautiful ring says hard to clean.

[@Daniel-pd8gj]

Can I substitute with a Dr Pepper?

[@elricedge8116]

So I just made this recipe, but I did it in an instant pot. Not sure I would recommend it. The pork is pretty dried out. I think going low and slow in a crock pot is the right answer.

[@arcticgummibear4500]

I don't understand about using coca cola. wouldn't it be better to use chicken, beef, or veg stock?

[@13Voodoobilly69]

It’s a common ingredient in Mexico, it’s gives a touch of sweetness and caramel’ish taste. It’s very subtle but tastes great.

[@marcyinspired1442]

@@13Voodoobilly69 Thanks for your response. I couldn't have said it better myself. 😊

[@curtismatsune3147]

Lard is much healthier than any and all vegetable oils.

[@estellaturner4614]

It actually was looks dry

[@ireneroy8820]

Too dry for me