The Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Spread

Transform your kitchen into a vibrant Mexican fiesta with this incredible Slow Cooker Carnitas Board recipe! As a professional chef with over 25 years of culinary expertise, I can confidently say that these succulent carnitas, served on an epic sharing board, are truly exceptional. This recipe is all about perfectly slow-cooked Mexican pork, complemented by an array of fresh and flavorful fixings, designed to create a show-stopping meal that will have everyone raving. Forget complex preparations; this board is as much about ease and customization as it is about authentic, mouthwatering taste!

This post may contain affiliate link(s). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Carnitas

Crafting authentic, flavorful carnitas begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the tender pork and aromatic base:

• Pork shoulder: Also known as pork butt, this cut is essential for its rich marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down beautifully during slow cooking to create incredibly tender, juicy carnitas.
• Chicken broth: Opt for low or no sodium added chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of your dish, providing a savory liquid base for the pork to braise in.
• Jalapeno: Adds a gentle warmth and fresh, bright flavor. If you prefer more heat, leave some of the seeds in, or remove them for a milder touch.
• Bell pepper: A colorful and sweet addition. A red, yellow, or orange bell pepper works wonderfully, or you can use a poblano pepper for a slightly smoky, earthy note.
• Onion: White or yellow onion provides a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the cooking liquid, infusing the pork with flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key for a robust, pungent flavor that complements the pork and spices perfectly.

For the Flavorful Spice Rub

The magic of carnitas also lies in its aromatic spice rub, which builds layers of classic Mexican flavor:

• Salt: Essential for seasoning the pork and drawing out moisture, contributing to crispy edges later.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and aromatic complexity.
• Cumin: A cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, cumin imparts an earthy, warm, and slightly pungent flavor that is unmistakable in carnitas.
• Ancho chili powder: Made from dried poblano peppers, ancho chili powder offers a mild, smoky, and slightly fruity chili flavor, contributing depth without excessive heat.
• Mexican oregano: Distinct from Mediterranean oregano, Mexican oregano has a more citrusy and earthy flavor, providing an authentic taste that truly enhances the dish.

Crafting the Perfect Slow Cooker Carnitas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create succulent, fall-apart carnitas that are bursting with authentic Mexican flavors:

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Begin by blistering the jalapeno, bell pepper (or poblano), and onion. You can achieve this by placing them under a hot broiler until softened and lightly charred, or by cooking them in a dry skillet over high heat. Once blistered, remove the seeds from the chilis for a milder flavor and set the vegetables aside. This step adds a wonderful smoky depth.
2. Apply the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, cumin, ancho chili powder, and Mexican oregano. Mix thoroughly to create your aromatic spice rub. Generously rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated for maximum flavor penetration.
3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Pour the chicken broth into the insert of your slow cooker. Then, add the blistered peppers, onion, and garlic cloves to the broth. These vegetables will infuse the cooking liquid with their delicious flavors, contributing to the overall richness of the carnitas.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Gently place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker on top of the aromatics and broth. Cook on the high setting for 4-5 hours, or on the low setting for 6 hours. The pork is ready when it is incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
5. Cool the Meat: Carefully remove the cooked pork from the juices in the slow cooker. Transfer it to a large cutting board or platter and allow it to cool slightly, making it easier and safer to handle.
6. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cool enough, remove any visible bones or excess fat. Then, using two sturdy forks or a pair of meat claws, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be so tender that it practically falls apart.
7. Achieve Crispy Carnitas: This step is crucial for authentic carnitas texture! Heat a tablespoon of oil (or even some of the reserved fat from the slow cooker for extra flavor) in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, transfer the shredded pork to the skillet, spreading it into a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the bottom layer to crisp up and caramelize beautifully. This creates those irresistible crispy edges that define true carnitas.
8. Season and Serve: Taste the carnitas and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might find it needs a little more salt or a pinch of your favorite spice. Serve immediately as the star of your carnitas board!

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Unforgettable Carnitas

With my decades of experience in the kitchen, I’ve gathered some invaluable tips to ensure your slow cooker carnitas are nothing short of spectacular:

• Searing for Depth of Flavor: While optional for slow cooking, quickly searing the pork shoulder on all sides in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker will create a beautiful crust and add a profound depth of savory flavor that takes your carnitas to the next level.
• Don’t Skip the Crisp: The crisping step in a hot skillet is non-negotiable for authentic carnitas! It adds an incredible textural contrast to the tender, shredded pork. I often save some of the rendered fat from the slow cooker juices specifically for this step, as it’s packed with flavor and helps achieve the perfect golden-brown crisp.
• Season Generously and Taste Often: Pork shoulder is a large cut of meat and can handle a surprising amount of seasoning. Be generous with your spice rub. More importantly, taste the carnitas before serving and adjust the salt and other seasonings. A perfectly seasoned dish makes all the difference.
• Speed Up Cooking Time: If you’re short on time, you can cut the pork shoulder or butt into two or three large chunks before adding it to the slow cooker. This increases the surface area exposed to the heat and liquid, significantly reducing the overall cooking time without sacrificing tenderness.
• Choose Your Serving Vessel: I personally love using a Big Board from Reluctant Entertainer for its impressive size and presentation. However, don’t feel limited! Any large serving platter, baking sheet, or even multiple smaller dishes arranged artfully can create an equally inviting and abundant spread for your feast.

Recommended Pairings & More Board Ideas

How to Build Your Ultimate Carnitas Board: A Guide to Presentation

Creating the ultimate Slow Cooker Carnitas Board is an art form, blending delicious flavors with an inviting presentation. The key is abundance and accessibility. Start with your largest board or platter – a generous surface allows for a truly impressive spread. Begin by placing the star of the show, your perfectly pulled and crisped pork carnitas, in a central and prominent position. Around it, arrange an exciting assortment of colorful toppings and sides in small bowls, ramekins, or directly on the board if they are dry. Think about contrasting colors, textures, and flavors to make your board visually appealing and gastronomically exciting.

Here’s a comprehensive list of delicious additions to consider for your board:

• Tortilla Chips: Essential for scooping, dipping, and building quick nachos. Offer both classic corn tortillas and perhaps a specialty chip for variety.
• Guacamole: Creamy, fresh, and utterly irresistible. A homemade guacamole will always impress, or a high-quality store-bought version.
• Mexican Black Beans: Warm, seasoned black beans add a hearty and traditional element, perfect for filling tacos or as a side.
• Arroz Verde (Green Rice): A vibrant, flavorful rice dish that offers a beautiful color contrast and a delicious base for bowls.
• Shredded Lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch and a cool contrast to the warm carnitas.
• Tortillas: A must-have! Offer both soft flour tortillas and corn tortillas. Mini versions are excellent for party settings.
• Cheese: A selection of cheeses is always welcome. Crumbly queso fresco offers a salty, fresh flavor, while shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend provides creamy richness.
• Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: For a cool, tangy finish that balances the rich pork and spices.
• Pickled Red Onions: Their bright, acidic tang cuts through the richness of the carnitas, adding a fantastic pop of color and flavor.
• Sliced Jalapenos: Fresh or pickled, for those who love an extra kick of heat.
• Salsas: Offer a variety, from mild pico de gallo to a spicier roasted salsa verde.
• Fresh Cilantro and Lime Wedges: Essential garnishes that add freshness and zest.
• Corn Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Adds sweetness and texture.
• Radish Slices: For a peppery crunch and beautiful color.

Each component should be easily accessible to your guests. Utilize small bowls or ramekins for wetter ingredients like guacamole, sour cream, and salsas to keep the board tidy and prevent flavors from mixing. For a truly seamless serving experience, ensure you have plenty of small plates, an ample supply of napkins, and dedicated serving spoons or tongs for each dish. A well-organized and artfully presented carnitas board transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable dining event!

Storage and Savory Leftover Ideas

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious slow cooker carnitas for days to come. The pulled pork carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, freeze the carnitas in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. I recommend packaging it with a bit of the cooking broth to keep the pork moist and flavorful when reheated. Most other board ingredients, such as cheese, tortillas, and fresh vegetables, should be stored separately in their original packaging or airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Leftover carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be repurposed into a variety of exciting dishes:

• Carnitas Tacos or Burritos: The most obvious and delicious choice! Simply reheat the pork and serve with fresh tortillas and your favorite toppings.
• Nachos Supreme: Layer leftover carnitas over tortilla chips with cheese, beans, and your go-to nacho toppings, then bake until bubbly.
• Quesadillas: Mix shredded carnitas with cheese between two tortillas and cook until golden brown and melted.
• Carnitas Salad: Add cold or warm carnitas to a fresh salad with a lime vinaigrette for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Carnitas Bowls: Serve over rice with black beans, corn, and a drizzle of spicy crema.
• Breakfast Hash: Combine diced potatoes, onions, and carnitas, then fry until crispy and top with a fried egg.
• Carnitas Pizza: Use as a unique topping for a homemade pizza with a base of salsa or refried beans.

With these creative ideas, your carnitas feast can easily extend beyond the initial board, offering delicious meals throughout the week!

Print
Pin

4.95 from 38 votes

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

This Slow Cooker Carnitas Board features incredibly tender, slow-cooked pork carnitas as its centerpiece. It’s generously loaded with an assortment of Mexican black beans, vibrant green rice, shredded cheese, creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, and a medley of other delicious fixings. Perfect for building the most mouthwatering carnitas tacos, hearty nachos, and custom bowls, this board offers a fun, interactive, and unforgettable dining experience for any gathering!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex

Keyword board, carnitas, mexican, tex-mex

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings 8 people

Calories 174kcal

Author Chef Jenn

Equipment

• Slow cooker you need a fairly large one to hold 4 pounds of pork

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt roast
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
• 1 cup chicken broth low or no sodium added
• 1 jalapeno or poblano chili
• 1 onion halved
• 4-6 cloves garlic

Suggested fixings

• corn tortillas
• flour tortillas
• tortilla chips
• Frito corn chips
• guacamole
• shredded cheese
• pickled red onions
• jalapenos
• salsas

Instructions

• Blister the jalapeno, onion, and pepper under the broiler or in a dry skillet then remove the seeds from the chilis and set aside.
• Rub the pork. Mix the salt, pepper, cumin, ancho chili powder, and oregano in a small bowl, then rub it all over the pork.
• Add the chicken broth to the insert of your slow cooker then add the blistered peppers, onion, and garlic.
• Add the pork and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6 hours or until fork tender.
• Remove the meat from the juices and let it cool enough to handle.
• Remove visible bone and fat from the pork, then shred it with meat claws or 2 sturdy forks.
• Transfer the pork to a hot skillet with a tablespoon of oil in the bottom and crisp up the bottom layer by cooking it over high heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Adjust the seasoning and serve.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Sear the pork before slow cooking for an added depth of flavor.
• Don’t skip crisping the pork in a skillet – it adds a delightful texture.
• Be generous with the seasonings – you’d be surprised how much salt this needs. Taste it before serving, too.
• You can speed up the cooking time by cutting the pork shoulder or butt into several chunks.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 342IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.