Print

Tender Low-Carb Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe Easy and Perfect for Keto Meals

low-carb slow cooker pork carnitas - featured image
Print Recipe

A tender, flavorful low-carb pork carnitas recipe cooked slowly in a slow cooker, perfect for keto and paleo meals. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and versatile for various low-carb servings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 large orange (about ¼ cup / 60 ml)
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons / 30 ml)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro (chopped), diced white onion, avocado slices or guacamole, shredded cheese (omit for dairy-free), low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves for wraps

Instructions

  1. Trim and prep the pork shoulder by removing excess fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor and moisture. Pat dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. Mix the spice rub by combining cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well. (2 minutes)
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, pressing it in to coat every surface. (3 minutes)
  4. Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. (10 minutes)
  5. Place the pork in the slow cooker. Add orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, and tuck in the bay leaves around the meat. (2 minutes)
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. (6-8 hours)
  7. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Discard large fat pieces and bay leaves. (5 minutes)
  8. Optional: Pour cooking liquid into a skillet over medium heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. (7 minutes)
  9. Return shredded pork to skillet with reduced sauce and stir to coat. Serve hot with preferred low-carb sides or toppings. (2 minutes)

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking is optional but adds flavor and color. Use fresh citrus juice for best flavor and avoid bottled juices with added sugar. Reserve some cooking liquid to moisten shredded pork if needed. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature. Leftovers taste better after a day and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork carnitas, low-carb, keto, slow cooker, pork shoulder, easy dinner, paleo, Mexican, healthy, tender pork

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/tender-low-carb-slow-cooker-pork-carnitas-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-keto-meals/