Two reasons why I love using my Slow Cooker in the summer: 1) It does not heat up the house and 2) I can stay out and play as long as I’d like and come home to a hot meal. One other thing I love in the summer, (well, really all year long) TACOS! Have you ever been to Mexico and tasted a street taco? If not, you are missing out! 
I spent the weekend in Mexico for my Godson’s birthday party and we enjoyed many tacos and loads of fresh, tropical fruit. One would think a weekend full of tacos was enough for one person; however, I realized that I took out a pork loin to defrost and needed to cook it. Hmmm, what sounded good–Carnitas! Carnitas are pork tacos, similar to pulled pork but with spices not vinegar. I hope you decide to try these out for a quick meal one summer evening.
Carnitas Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 pork loin roast S&P to season meat 1/4 tsp chili powder 1/4 cup olive oil
1 orange, zested + juiced
1 lime, zested + juiced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 Tbsp dried oregano
For serving:
Corn tortillas
Chopped cilantro & onion
Directions:
Heat a skillet to medium high heat. Season pork with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Sear meat on all sides. Place in Slow Cooker. Add in remaining ingredients and turn Slow Cooker on (high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours).
To serve, heat tortillas on a skillet or griddle with a spray of oil.
I served mine with Gazpacho, because I have loads of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs ready to use. Other great sides would be sautéed carrots or tossed salad or steamed green beans. Enjoy!
I always slow cook pork for pulled-pork sandwhiches. What a great way to switch it up and make tacos! Thanks Wendy! I’ll try it this week.
LOVE using my crock pot, anytime of the year! I haven’t tried the carnitas.. I can hear my brain wheels turning
Thanks!
I love how fast this recipe is and yes, there is a lot of room for variations! Keep me posted if you create something spectacular, Amber!
Thanks Courtney! B loved this recipe and was grinning ear to ear when he smelled it. Hope T loves it, too!
Hey Wendy,
I saw your FB post on the carnitas a couple of weeks ago and bookmarked it. My mother in law bought a Pork Loin when she was here and never had time to cook it, so it’s been in our freezer ever since. I had no idea what to do with it, until I saw your recipe. Thanks for the idea. I made them last night and they were yummy.
Love it! Glad you enjoyed them and thanks for the update! I do the same thing–buy something with an intent and then it sits in my freezer.
I’m glad yours was put to good use! My husband is asking for them again already!