Slow Cooker Carnitas (With The Best Pineapple Salsa!)

We have been making our carnitas in the slow cooker for many years and they always turn out perfectly. With this simple recipe for Mexican pulled pork, we are then topping carnitas with the best pineapple cilantro salsa in the whole wide world of tacos! These carnitas are crispy, juicy, and irresistibly delicious.

We take taco nights around here very seriously. This simple slow cooker carnitas recipe is at the top of our dinner list. And the best part? These carnitas come topped with the best ever pineapple salsa. It’s a recipe I have been perfecting for years.

This recipe takes less than 5 minutes to prep, making it perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a great weekend dinner that will fill your house with all the wonderful smells.

Is there anything better in this world than slow cooked pork until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, then crisped to golden perfection? This recipe is an absolute 10!

I make this recipe often–for everyday purposes, meal prep, and for taco-bar gatherings for a crowd. It’s a guaranteed pleaser every time.

We like to make this on a Sunday and then have it for quick and easy recipes throughout the week. Honestly, the most difficult thing about this crockpot shredded pork recipe is deciding what you want to serve it with. We recommend toasted and warmed corn tortillas.

why your family will love this slow cooker carnitas recipes

• Easy to Make with the Best Salsa Ever!
• Fun and Delicious
• Versatile and Customizable
• Kid Friendly
• Crowd Pleasing

what are carnitas?

Simply put, carnitas are your new taco addiction. Carnitas are Mexico’s version of pulled pork. This dish is traditionally made by slow cooking pork fully submerged in lard until the meat becomes tender and juicy, then shredded or chopped before being served.

Fortunately for us, it is possible to make carnitas that taste very similar to authentic Mexican pork carnitas without gallons of lard. And this recipe is so incredibly easy to make.

Carnitas are the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches. However you choose to serve your carnitas, this is mouthwatering dish that your whole family is going to love.

ingredients

To make this easy and delicious crockpot carnitas with pineapple salsa recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!

Here’s what we are working with:

for the pineapple cilantro salsa

• canned pineapple tidbits
• fresh cilantro leaves
• red onion
• lime, juice and zest
• fresh jalapeño, optional for heat

for the slow cooker carnitas

• pork shoulder (pork butt)
• salt and pepper
• dried oregano
• cumin
• smoked paprika
• garlic
• onion
• jalapeño
• orange juice
• olive oil

How to make crockpot carnitas with pineapple cilantro salsa

Start by making the salsa; In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, 1 tbsp reserved pineapple juice, onion, jalapeño cilantro, and lime juice. Season to taste and chill until ready to use.

Rinse and dry the pork shoulder. Mix the oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper with olive oil and rub all over the pork. Place the pork into a slow cooker and top with the onion, jalapeño, garlic, and orange juice. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 hours.

Once the meat is tender, remove from the slow cooker and let cool slightly before pulling apart with a fork. In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Working in batches, press the carnitas into the skillet and fry until crispy on one side. Serve with warmed tortillas and pineapple cilantro salsa to top.

can I meal prep carnitas with pineapple cilantro salsa?

Yes! This crockpot carnitas recipe makes one irresistibly delicious and easy meal prep! This recipe will be enough for 4 meal prep containers , plus extra to have throughout the week! When I made this recipe for my meal prep I included corn tortillas on the side so they would not be soggy. I love that you can eat carnitas cold or hot, depending on your own preferences. These slow cooker carnitas with pineapple cilantro salsa will have you fueled and ready to go for the week!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having what looks and tastes like a gourmet meal on the table, but one that saves you time behind the scenes. 

Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.

Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!

ENJOY!

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