Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Board

Who says you can’t bring the vibrant flavors of a Mexican fiesta to your home kitchen? With my Slow Cooker Carnitas Board recipe, you can do just that! I’m a professional chef with 25+ years of cooking experience, and these carnitas and this epic board are just about as good as it gets! It’s all about slow-cooked Mexican pork and all the fixings for a show-stopping meal everyone will rave about!

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Ingredients

• Pork shoulder – Or pork butt.
• Chicken broth – Low or no sodium added.
• Jalapeno
• Bell pepper – Or poblano pepper.
• Onion – White or yellow onion.
• Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic.

For the rub

• Salt
• Pepper
• Cumin
• Ancho chili powder
• Mexican oregano

How to make Slow Cooker Carnitas

1. Blister the jalapeno, onion, and pepper under the broiler or in a dry skillet, then remove the seeds from the chilis and set aside.
2. Rub the pork. Mix the salt, pepper, cumin, ancho chili powder, and oregano in a small bowl, then rub it all over the pork.
3. Add the chicken broth to the insert of your slow cooker, then add the blistered peppers, onion, and garlic.
4. Add the pork and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6 hours or until fork tender.
5. Remove the meat from the juices and let it cool enough to handle.
6. Remove visible bone and fat from the pork, then shred it with meat claws or 2 sturdy forks.
7. 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.
8. Adjust the seasoning and serve.

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 great texture and even more flavor. I save some of the fat from the slow cooker to crisp it up, because it’s loaded with flavor!
• 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.
• I use a Big Board from Reluctant Entertainer – grab your own here – or use any large serving platter to build your feast!

Recommended

How to Build Your Board

Creating the ultimate Slow Cooker Carnitas Board is all about variety and presentation. Start with a large board or platter and fill it up so it looks abundant. Place the star of the show, the pulled pork carnitas, in a central position. Add your favorite taco dip, and other tasty dishes of:

• Tortilla chips
• Guacamole
• Mexican black beans
• Arroz verde (green rice)
• Shredded lettuce
• Flour or corn tortillas
• Cheese – Queso fresco or shredded cheddar.
• Sour cream
• Pickled red onions
• Sliced jalapenos

Each component should be easily accessible, and don’t forget serving spoons or tongs. Consider using small bowls or ramekins for wetter ingredients like guacamole or sour cream to keep them tidy. Ensure you have enough serving utensils, small plates, and napkins on hand.

Storage

The pulled pork carnitas can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months and package it with some of the cooking broth. You can pack the rest of the ingredients in their original packaging or airtight containers.