Slow Cooker Carnita Style Pork
This carnita-style pork is one of my absolute favorites—simple to make and packed with bold, savory flavor. If I’m ever at Chipotle, I always go for the carnitas burrito, and their ingredient list is refreshingly transparent: pork, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, thyme, juniper berries, and sunflower oil.
Bring your favorite fast-food meal home with this easy slow cooker version. Serve it Chipotle-style in burrito bowls with cilantro lime rice (just make sure it’s folic acid free!), stuffed into tacos, or over a bed of greens with guac and salsa. However you build your plate, it’s a flavorful, no-fuss dinner that’s sure to satisfy.
Juniper Berries
While all the seasonings contribute to the depth of flavor, it’s the juniper berries that truly make this dish shine. Don’t skip them! Their warm, piney, peppery flavor gives carnitas that distinctive savory twist you just can’t replicate with anything else.
I love these Hatfield Touch of Sea Salt Pork Loin Filet
but if you can’t find them, use a 1-1.5lb pork loin.
You could definitely crisp up the meat in the oven by broiling for a minute or two for a more authentic Carnita but my kiddos prefer the texture right from the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Carnita Style Pork
Ingredients
- 1 Hatfield Touch Of Sea Salt Pork Loin Filet or 1-1.5lb pork loin
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon juniper berries
- Salt/pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- Cilantro for garnish optional
Instructions
- Place pork loin in slow cooker and add 1/2 cup water.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, thyme, juniper berries and add the 2 whole bay leaves to pot.
- Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours until internal temp is 170 degrees and pork shreds easily with two forks.
- Remove bay leaves (and my personal preference is to remove any juniper berries that are left whole) prior to serving.
- Garnish with Cilantro if desired.
