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    Home » Tex Mex

    Pork carnitas - Slow cooker pulled pork tacos

    Posted: Jan 7, 2020 · Updated: May 4, 2021 by Tonje

    227 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Crispy pulled pork with Mexican flavours in a soft tortilla with guac and topping of your choice - sound good? It's called pork carnitas, and it's absolutely delicious. These slow cooker pulled pork tacos are easy to make and taste oh so good. A great way to use pulled pork, and a great alternative to the typical minced beef tacos.

    Carnita pulled pork.

    Jump to:
    • Here is what you need
    • How to make slow cooker pulled pork tacos
    • What are carnitas?
    • How to serve pork carnitas
    • The best toppings
    • More tasty dinners:
    • Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    Here is what you need

    Great pork tacos require few ingredients and few tools. Sometimes the simple things are the best. Here is everything you need to make pork carnitas:

    • A good slow cooker - my favourite kitchen tool!
    • A pork joint - I use a leg joint or a shoulder joint
    • Taco seasoning. Use a seasoning packet, or homemade seasoning.
    • A baking tray.
    • Meat thermometer to make sure the pork is safe to eat.

    How to make slow cooker pulled pork tacos

    Start by making pulled pork. You can find detailed instructions here. Remove the rind and large pieces of fat from your pork joint. Add a splash of water to cover the bottom of your slow cooker, and place te pork on top. Slow cook for 2-8 hours on high, or 4-12 hours on low setting. Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the meat has cooked through. Pork is only safe to eat after it has reached an internal temperature of 70°C / 160°F. Life the pork out of the slow cooker, then use two forks or pulled pork claws to shred the meat into pieces.

    Place the slow cooker pulled pork on a baking tray, and cover with taco seasoning. Stir to coat the pork evenly with the spices.

    Taco pulled pork on a baking tray.

    Classic pork carnitas are crispy on the edges. If you want to achieve this, place the pork in the oven at 210°C / 200°C fan oven / 410°F for about 5 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden and crispy. Be careful not to leave the pork for too long, or it might dry out and burn.

    You can skip the step of oven baking the pulled pork,and just serve it immediately after coating with spices. Your pork will then be soft and tender instead of crispy.

    Pulled pork carnitas on a marble table with nachos inthe background.

    What are carnitas?

    Carnitas is Spanish, and means "small meats". In general terms it's small pieces of meat, and it's traditionally made by cooking meat in lard until it's fall apart tender. It's a common Mexican food, and can be used in many ways. This method of frying pulled pork results in crispy and tender meat with a greasy exterior.

    This version of carnitas is a lot healthier as we use a slow cooker and no lard, and the result is just as tasty.

    How to serve pork carnitas

    In this recipe we serve carnitas in wraps as tacos topped with guacamole. You can also eat them as a main dish served with rice, salad or other sides of your preference. Alternatively, add carnitas to quesedillas, in enchiladas, or serve them at a potluck or summer garden party as one of many dishes of meat.

    Love tacos? Check out these buffalo chicken tacos!

    Slow cooker pulled pork tacos on a marble table with a plate of nachos in the background.

    The best toppings

    I love a variety of toppings for my tacos. In Norway tacos usually involve a variety of fresh vegetables, including lettuce, onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, pineapple, sweetcorn, peppers and avocado topped with guacamole, sour cream, tomato salsa and cheese.

    Traditional Mexican tacos are very different; they are mainly just meat in wraps with some salsa, onions and avocados, topped with salsa, lime juice and fresh coriander.

    With such a variety of items that are considered acceptable to put on a taco, you can choose whatever you prefer. Here are some common toppings you could try:

    • Leafy greens: rocket, fresh herbs, lettuce, kale or spinach. It's refreshing and nice, and a great way to add more veg to your diet.
    • Raw vegetables: peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, red or white onions, sweetcorn, olives, avocado, or other veggies you think would taste good.
    • Sauces: salsa, soured cream, cheese dip, guacamole, creme fraiche or other tasty sauces.
    • Refried beans - tastes great even on top of the pork.
    • Mexican rice - or rice in general. This is great if you want a more filling topping.

    More tasty dinners:

    • Beef and pork meatballs
    • Perfect pan seared pork loin steaks
    • Pork with apple cream sauce
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
    • Instant Pot Carnitas

    Recipe

    crispy pork carnitas with guacamole.

    Pork Carnitas - Slow cooker pulled pork tacos

    Crispy pulled pork with Mexican flavours in a soft tortilla with guac and topping of your choice – sound good? It’s called pork carnitas, and it’s absolutely delicious. These slow cooker pork tacos are easy to make and taste oh so good.
    5 from 4 votes
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 6 hours hrs
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 4
    Calories 609 kcal

    Equipment

    • Slow Cooker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • 900 g pork joint
    • 3 tablespoon taco seasoning

    Instructions
     

    Make pulled pork

    • Remove the rind and large pieces of fat from your pork joint.
    • Add a splash of water to cover the bottom of your slow cooker, and place te pork on top. Slow cook for 2-8 hours on high, or 4-12 hours on low setting.
    • Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the meat has cooked through. Pork is only safe to eat after it has reached an internal temperature of 70°C / 160°F.
    • Lift the pork out of the slow cooker, then use two forks or pulled pork claws to shred the meat into pieces. 

    Add the taco flavours

    • Place the pulled pork on a baking tray, and cover with taco seasoning. Stir to coat the pork evenly with the spices.
    • Optional: Classic pork carnitas are crispy on the edges. If you want to achieve this, place the pork in the oven at 210°C / 200°C fan oven / 410°F for about 5 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden and crispy. Be careful not to leave the pork for too long, or it might dry out and burn.
      You can skip the step of oven baking the pulled pork,and just serve it immediately after coating with spices. Your pork will then be soft and tender instead of crispy.

    Notes

    In this recipe we serve carnitas in wraps as tacos topped with guacamole. You can also eat them as a main dish served with rice, salad or other sides of your preference. Alternatively, add carnitas to quesedillas, in enchiladas, or serve them at a potluck or summer garden party as one of many dishes of meat.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 609kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 52gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 194mgSodium: 311mgPotassium: 747mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 202IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword dairy free, egg free, gluten free, nut free, pork, pulled pork, taco
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jenn

      January 07, 2020 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      These look soooo good. I'm a big fan of Tex-Mex flavors and can't wait to dust off my slow cooker and make this recipe!

      Reply
      • Tonje

        January 08, 2020 at 6:31 am

        Let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    2. Dannii

      January 07, 2020 at 9:12 pm

      This is one of my favourite things to make in a slow cooker. Great for feeding a crowd too.

      Reply
      • Tonje

        January 08, 2020 at 6:32 am

        Absolutely!

        Reply
    3. Victoria

      January 07, 2020 at 9:18 pm

      5 stars
      Carnitas are THE. BEST. This is a great way to simplify the process using a slow-cooker. Will keep this in mind for our next taco night! Thanks 🙂

      Reply
      • Tonje

        January 08, 2020 at 6:32 am

        Yeah they are really delicious. I'm all about simplifying!

        Reply
    4. Sara Welch

      January 07, 2020 at 9:58 pm

      5 stars
      Just what I needed for taco Tuesday! Looks amazing; can't wait to serve this for dinner tonight!

      Reply
      • Tonje

        January 08, 2020 at 6:32 am

        Hope you like it 🙂

        Reply
    5. Anita

      January 07, 2020 at 10:16 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and delicious, and only needs 2 ingredients! I'll make this often for our taco Tuesday from now on. 🙂

      Reply
      • Tonje

        January 08, 2020 at 6:33 am

        I'm glad you like it! 😀

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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