Crockpot Mexican Pulled Pork

This is a super easy recipe that has perfect crunchy caramelized brown bits from the pork that really makes the difference. This recipe is said to be ‘no fail’. It makes a lot of super moist pulled pork, enough for 10-12 servings, which provides plenty for more than one meal. You can use the pork for enchiladas, nachos, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and anything you can imagine. Many thanks to Nagi at RecipeTinEats.com for sharing this delicious entry.

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Pork Carnitas

INGREDIENTS

5 lb / 2.5 kg pork shoulder, skinless, bone-in (4lb/2kg without bone)
1 onion, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and ribs removed, chopped
2 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 oranges, juice only
Rub
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Rinse and dry the pork shoulder, rub in salt and pepper.
Combine the rub ingredients then rub all over the pork.
Place the pork in a slow cooker, top with the onion, jalapeno, minced garlic (don’t worry about spreading it) and squeeze over the juice of the orange.
Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 6 hours.
The meat should be tender and falling off the bone. Remove from the slow cooker and let cool slightly. Then shred the pork using two forks.
Skim off the fat from the juices remaining in the slow cooker. If you have a lot more than 1½ to 2 cups, then reduce it (either in the slow cooker on the sauté setting with the lid off, or in a saucepan). Set aside.

To Freeze

Pour the juices over the pulled pork and store in zip-lock bags or airtight containers. Freeze in small batches for convenience. To use, defrost completely before following the next steps to brown.

To Serve

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non stick pan over high heat. Place shredded pork into the pan and press down and cook until the bottom side is golden brown and crusty.
Pour over the juices and serve immediately (if you are using defrosted carnitas, this is not applicable as the juices are already on the meat).
If you are reheating the carnitas, then flip and cook the other side briefly just to warm through. I really recommend only making one side crusty and leaving the other side juicy and moist.