Slow Cooker Carnitas

This Mexican slow cooked pulled pork is tender, juicy and oh so delicious. I modified it slightly from @thedefineddish but as usual, her recipes are amazing. It is the perfect protein for almost any potato, sandwich, salad, taco, tostada, nachos or stuffed baked potato. It makes a TON so prepare your tummy and your imagination!

Ingredients

For the Rub:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Pork:

• 1/4 cup low sodium chicken or beef broth
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 2 bay leaves

After it cooks:

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

To serve:

• finely diced white onion
• finely chopped cilantro leaves
• hot sauce
• lime wedges
• avocado, thinly sliced
• jalapenos slices

Make the rub in a small bowl by combining all the rub ingredients. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and garlic. Set aside.

Cut the pork shoulder into 3 equal chunks.  Pat dry, then rub with spice mixture on all sides until it is evenly and generously coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over high heat until it shimmers. Add the pork pieces and sear on all sides until a deep brown color forms, 2-3 minutes per side.  Transfer the browned pork to the slow cooker.

Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium and cook the onion, stirring, until slightly softened, about 2-4 minutes. Then transfer the cooked onion to the slow cooker and nestle onion pieces around the pork. Pour in broth mixture and add the bay leaves.  Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until pork is fall-apart fork-tender. Sprinkle with after cooking spices before you tear it apart with the fork. Remove bay leaves.

You can serve it as is OR if you like some crispy bits, turn on broiler and put some of the pork onto a rimmed baking dish in a single, even layer. Place pork under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the pork starts to crisp up on the edges. Remove from oven, toss with some of the liquid from the slow cooker and return to oven for another 3-5 minutes.

Serve with your favorite condiments and EAT IT UP!!!