Satisfy your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of citrus-braised carnitas, where juicy pork and citrusy goodness come together in this mouthwatering recipe.
This slow cooker citrus-braised carnitas is another staple at our house. Begin by rubbing the pork with a blend of spices to infuse flavor into the pork, add some orange and lime juice for a bright citrusy flavor, and leave it in the slow cooker to work it’s magic.
It’s easy to make a large batch and enjoy it all week as part of a variety of meals. Have it for breakfast with some eggs, enjoy it for lunch on top of a hefty salad, or serve it for dinner with roasted vegetables.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon cumin
2 teaspoons coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 4 large chunks
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
INSTRUCTIONS
1) In a small bowl, combine cumin, coriander, paprika, sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne and
oregano.
2) Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
3) Place the pork in the slow cooker. Add the fresh squeezed orange juice and the fresh squeezed lime juice.
4) Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the meat is fork tender.
Chef’s Tip: To get your carnitas crispy, use a slotted spoon and place the carnitas in an oven safe dish. Broil for about 5 minutes.
Interested in other healthy and delicious recipes? Check out my Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Verde or my Balsamic Braised Short Ribs.
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Mexican Inspired Chicken Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 2 lbs. skinless boneless, chicken thighs, cut into 1.5 inch chunks
- 1 onion thickly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium zucchinis chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 5 cups chicken broth preferably homemade
- 2 cups salsa preferably a simple tomato salsa
Optional Garnishes
- cilantro
- jalapeno
- green onion
- lime
- avocado
Instructions
- Combine the coriander, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Toss the chicken with the spices. When the chicken is well coated, move it to the slow cooker.
- Add the onion, garlic, zucchinis, bell pepper, carrots, tomato paste, chicken broth and salsa.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with garnishes of your choice and serve!
Notes:
