Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked pork wafting through your kitchen, filling the air with warmth and comfort. Carnitas are the life of the fiesta, bringing people together over delicious flavors that dance on your palate. Get ready to explore some of the best carnitas recipes that will make your next family gathering unforgettable!
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Pork Carnitas Recipe (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot) from The Modern Proper
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 8 ч 15 мин
This recipe brings out the tender, juicy essence of pork with a delightful crispy finish. Made with a blend of cumin, garlic, and orange juice, the flavor is vibrant and zesty. The secret here is broiling the carnitas for a few minutes after slow cooking, which creates that irresistible crunch!
Spicy Chipotle Carnitas

Chipotle Carnitas from Dinner at the Zoo
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pork roast, juniper berries, chicken broth, bay leaves, black pepper Total Time: 8 hr 10 min.

Slow Cooker Chipotle Carnitas from Mommy's Home Cooking
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Boneless pork shoulder, orange juice, chicken broth, adobo sauce, lime juice Total Time: 8 hr 30 min.

Chipotle Carnitas Copycat from Culinary Hill
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pork butt roast, juniper berries, bay leaves, black pepper, fresh thyme Total Time: 4 hr 20 min.
If you love a little heat, this spicy chipotle carnitas recipe is for you! The addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce gives the pork a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with its natural richness. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially when served in tacos or burritos!
Garlic Lime Carnitas

(The Best) Slow-Cooker Crispy Pork Carnitas from Must Love Garlic
Ingredients: 10 h 15 min Total Time: 10 h 15 min.

Crispy Pork Carnitas in Slow Cooker with Orange Lime from Gentle Tummy
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 6 h 15 min Total Time: 6 h 15 min.
Bright and zesty, these garlic lime carnitas are perfect for those who appreciate a citrusy twist. Infused with fresh lime juice and plenty of garlic, this dish is bursting with flavor. Serve it with fresh cilantro and diced onions for an extra kick!
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Carnitas
This recipe introduces a tropical flair with the sweetness of pineapple. The mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a beautiful glaze that coats the tender pork. Perfect for summer barbecues, these carnitas will transport you to a beach paradise!
Classic Mexican Carnitas

Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork) from Cafe Delites
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 10 ч 10 мин
Sometimes, simplicity is key. This classic Mexican carnitas recipe uses just a few ingredients: pork, orange, and spices. The result is a rich, authentic taste that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen. Serve it with warm tortillas and fresh salsa for the ultimate experience!
Herbed Citrus Carnitas
This recipe takes carnitas to another level with the addition of fresh herbs like thyme and oregano. Combined with citrus juices, it creates a fresh and fragrant dish that’s perfect for a family feast. It’s a delightful twist that spices up the traditional flavors!
Beer-Braised Carnitas

Beer-Braised Pork Carnitas (+ Slow Cooker and Instant Pot) from Plays Well With Butter
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 4 h 15 min Total Time: 4 h 15 min.

Authentic Beer Braised Carnitas from The Stay At Home Chef
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 2 h 55 min Total Time: 2 h 55 min.
Who doesn’t love a good beer to enhance flavors? This recipe uses your favorite lager to create juicy, tender carnitas. The beer adds depth and richness, making it perfect for hearty tacos or nachos!
Smoky BBQ Carnitas

Smoked Pork Carnitas from Hey Grill, Hey
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Boston butt, dark brown sugar, lime, cinnamon, oranges Total Time: 24 hr 10 min.

Slow Cooker BBQ Carnitas Tacos from Sweet Baby Ray's
Ingredients: Pork shoulder, sweet baby ray's, corn tortillas, smoked paprika, garlic Total Time: 1 hr 1 min.

Smoked Carnitas from Dad With A Pan
Rating: 4.3. Ingredients: Lb pork shoulder, red onion, dried guajillo, oranges, garlic Total Time: 8 hr 10 min.
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these smoky BBQ carnitas! Combining traditional spices with your favorite BBQ sauce creates a sweet and savory dish that’s finger-licking good. Serve it on a bun for a fun twist on pulled pork sandwiches!
Instant Pot Carnitas
If you’re short on time but still want delicious carnitas, this Instant Pot recipe is a game-changer! The pressure cooking locks in all the flavors, resulting in tender pork that’s ready in no time. Finish it off under the broiler for that crunchy texture!
Adobo Carnitas
This recipe focuses on the rich flavors of adobo sauce, making it deep and delicious. The spices meld beautifully with the pork, creating a dish that’s savory and satisfying. Perfect for filling tacos or enchiladas!
Mexican Street Corn Carnitas

Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos with Mexican Corn Salsa from Kalefornia Kravings
Ingredients: 10 ч 10 мин
Imagine the flavors of elote combined with your favorite carnitas! This recipe includes corn, lime, and cheese, creating a delightful fusion that’s perfect for summer gatherings. It’s a unique twist that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Slow-Roasted Citrus Carnitas
Slow-roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the pork while the citrus keeps it bright and flavorful. This recipe’s secret lies in the combination of orange and grapefruit juice, giving it a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Ideal for tacos or as a filling for burritos!
Spicy Sriracha Carnitas

Slow-Cooker Carnitas Tacos with Sriracha Mayo from Delish
Ingredients: 8 h 30 min Total Time: 8 h 30 min.

Best Ever Spicy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas from Ally's Cooking
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 8 h 15 min Total Time: 8 h 15 min.
For those who like it hot, these Sriracha carnitas are a must-try! The heat from the Sriracha sauce blends seamlessly with the richness of the pork, creating an exciting dish. Perfect for adventurous eaters looking for something different!
Maple-Glazed Carnitas

Crispy Carnitas Tacos with Roasted Jalapeño Lime Avocado from Half Baked Harvest
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 3 ч 25 мин
Sweet and savory come together in this unique maple-glazed carnitas recipe. The maple syrup adds a lovely caramelized finish, making it a standout dish for any feast. Enjoy it with pancakes or on its own for a delightful surprise!
Vegetarian Carnitas (Jackfruit)

Jackfruit Carnitas from Nora Cooks
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Liquid smoke, orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, young green jackfruit Total Time: 1 hr.

Jackfruit Carnitas Recipe from Feasting At Home
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Jackfruit, soy sauce, jalapeno, smoked paprika, red onion Total Time: 25 mins.

Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos from Vegan Huggs
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Corn tortillas, tomato paste, smoked paprika, young jackfruit, avocado oil Total Time: 30 mins.
Yes, you can enjoy carnitas without meat! This vegetarian version uses jackfruit, which mimics the texture of pulled pork. It’s seasoned with spices and cooked until tender, making it an excellent option for meat-free meals!
Teriyaki Carnitas

Teriyaki Pork Tacos from Food.com
Ingredients: Lbs pork tenderloin, refried beans, sour cream, teriyaki marinade, chicken broth Total Time: 1 hr 40 min.

Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork from Allrecipes
Rating: 4. Ingredients: Boneless pork butt, teriyaki marinade, chicken broth, sesame seeds, black pepper Total Time: 5 hr 5 min.

Barbecue Teriyaki Pork Tacos from Sweet Baby Ray's
Ingredients: Boneless pork roast, sweet baby, cabbage, barbecue sauce, corn tortillas Total Time: 1 hr 1 min.
Take your taste buds on a journey to Asia with this teriyaki carnitas recipe. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce infuses the pork with a rich flavor that’s perfect for rice bowls or lettuce wraps. It’s a fun way to mix cultures in the kitchen!
Chili Verde Carnitas
This recipe is all about the green sauce! The tangy chili verde gives the carnitas a fresh, zesty flavor that is deliciously addictive. Pair it with rice and beans for a well-rounded meal that feels like a hug!
Apple Cider Carnitas
Embrace the flavors of fall with apple cider carnitas! The sweet cider adds a lovely depth to the pork, making it perfect for warm, cozy dinners. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a wholesome and comforting meal!
Garlic Herb Butter Carnitas

Easy Carnitas Recipe from Baking Mischief
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pork shoulder roast, dutch oven, chicken broth, lime juice, garlic Total Time: 3 hr 45 min.

Super Tasty Carnitas Tacos from Downshiftology
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Boneless pork shoulder, orange, red onion, chili powder, tortillas Total Time: 8 hr 10 min.

Slow Cooker Carnitas Tostadas from Whitney Bond
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Boneless pork shoulder, orange juice, queso fresco, mexican beer, queso dip Total Time: 4 hr 20 min.
Butter makes everything better, right? This recipe incorporates garlic herb butter for an extra layer of flavor that’s downright luxurious. It’s a simple but elegant dish that’s perfect for impressing guests!
Buffalo Carnitas
Love buffalo wings? Then you’ll adore these buffalo carnitas! Tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for sliders or tacos. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Honey Mustard Carnitas

Barbecue Pulled Pork Tacos with Honey Mustard Slaw from Stuck On Sweet
Ingredients: Boneless pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, avocado, honey, dijon mustard Total Time: 8 hr 15 min.

Pork Carnitas Tacos from Plan to Eat
Ingredients: Pork shoulder, dijon mustard, oranges, garlic, chili powder

Jalapeno Honey Mustard Pulled Pork from Foodie With Family
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pork shoulder, honey mustard, brown sugar, cider vinegar, jalapeno peppers
This unique twist features honey mustard as the star ingredient, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile. It’s a delightful change from traditional carnitas and pairs wonderfully with coleslaw for a fun meal. Perfect for backyard barbecues!
Caribbean Jerk Carnitas

Slow Cooker Jerk Pork Tacos with Caribbean Salsa from Ally's Cooking
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 9 h 20 min
Take your taste buds on a tropical vacation with these Caribbean jerk carnitas! The spicy, aromatic seasoning gives the pork a bold flavor that’s fantastic in tacos or served over rice. A great way to bring a little island flair to your table!
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Carnitas

Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos + Corn Salsa from Simple Healthy Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 8 ч 15 мин
This recipe takes carnitas to a whole new level by stuffing them with a delicious spinach and cheese mixture. It’s a creative way to add veggies to your meal without compromising on flavor. Perfect for a hearty dinner that’s also packed with nutrients!
Chocolate Mole Carnitas
For an adventurous flavor experience, try these chocolate mole carnitas! The rich, complex sauce made with chocolate and spices elevates the pork to a gourmet level. It’s a show-stopper for any special occasion!
Buffet-Style Carnitas
Traditional Carnitas (Mexican Pork Confit) from Stellanspice
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Mexican coca cola, pork shoulder, evaporated milk, orange, spice
Pork Carnitas Recipe from Dinner at the Zoo
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Boneless pork butt, orange, lime juice, chicken stock, bay leaves Total Time: 3 hr 20 min.
Pork Carnitas Tacos from Pinch and Swirl
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Slow cooker pork, refried beans, sour cream, corn tortillas, avocado Total Time: 20 min.
This recipe is perfect for hosting a buffet-style feast! It’s made in a big batch, allowing everyone to customize their tacos with toppings like avocado, salsa, and cheese. Fun and interactive, this dish will have everyone raving!