Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Step 1

In a large slow cooker combine all ingredients, including the orange rind (for flavor)

Step 2

Cook the pork for 8 hours on high until pork pulls apart with a fork

Step 3

Strain and reserve liquid.Using a slotted spoon move all the pork to a large sheet pan

Step 4

Use two forks to pull the pork apart into 1 inch pieces

Step 5

Discard any large fatty pieces

Step 6

Using a pastry brush coat the meat with reserved liquid.With your oven broiler set to hi, set the meat in the oven on a middle rack and cook until the ends are crispy

Step 7

This should take about 5-8 minutes

Step 8

Remove from oven and turn the meat over using a spatula, broil for five more minutes.The meat can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator and used for just about anything! It also freezes very well

Step 9

Make in an Instant Pot:In an Instant Pot, combine all ingredients (using only 1 cup of stock instead of 2 and 1/2 tsp more salt, for flavor), including the orange rind.Seal the lid of the Instant Pot, being sure to close the vent valve

Step 10

Cook on manual high pressure for 40 minutes

Step 11

Once time is up, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, followed by a quick manual release.Using a slotted spoon move all the pork to a large sheet pan.Use two forks to pull the pork apart into 1 inch pieces

Step 12

Discard any large fatty pieces

Step 13

Using a pastry brush coat the meat with reserved liquid.With your oven broiler set to high, set the meat in the oven on a middle rack and cook until the ends are crispy

Step 14

This should take about 5-8 minutes

Step 15

Remove from oven and turn the meat over using a spatula, broil for five more minutes.The meat can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator and used for just about anything! It also freezes very well.Make them in a Dutch oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position

Step 16

In a large Dutch oven, combine stock, onion, orange juice and rind, lime juice, oregano, chili powder, salt, cumin, pepper, cayenne and bay leaves

Step 17

Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil

Step 18

Nestle in the meat, cover and roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the pork is tender and can be pulled apart easily with a fork

Step 19

Using a slotted spoon move all the pork to a large sheet pan.Use two forks to pull the pork apart into 1 inch pieces

Step 20

Discard any large fatty pieces

Step 21

Using a pastry brush coat the meat with reserved liquid.With your oven broiler set to high, set the meat in the oven on a middle rack and cook until the ends are crispy

Step 22

This should take about 5-8 minutes

Step 23

Remove from oven and turn the meat over using a spatula, broil for five more minutes.