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You are here: Home / Physical Kitchness / Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

25 Jul

Dogs. Man’s best friend, fur babies, sneaky food stealers. Turn you back for TWO seconds with human food accessible, and it’s gone. Thank goodness I had enough photographs of this whole30 slow cooker pork carnitas recipe before a fluffy white burgler devoured it all….

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The easiest way to make pork carnitas that are flavorful, tender, and juicy. Whole30 compliant too! These slow cooker pork carnitas are healthy, yummy, and make great leftovers!

True story, before my husband popped the question, he thought we should get a cell phone plan together to save money. I totally flaked and got cold feet. It seemed like a big commitment. Yet we got a dog before we were engaged. Makes ZERO sense.

Mr. Physical Kitchness always wanted a big, manly dog while I dreamed of a cute little lap snuggler. So when I found her sweet face online with a plea for someone to adopt her, it was meant to be. She was little, fluffy, and had the angelic face of a bichon/maltese teddy bear – even the man who wanted a German Shephard couldn’t resist. So we decided to bring her home. It was a very sweet moment…

Until we got in the car and she bit me. Seriously, the little sh*t bit my hand and I was petting her.

“Ok, ummm…we need to take her back!” I stammered as I counted all my fingers to make sure I hadn’t lost one.

“It’s fine Chrissa. She’s scared. She’ll warm up to us,” said my all-too-nonchalant future husband. (HE wasn’t the one that got bit).

I didn’t touch her the rest of the way home. This white cotton princess had to be the devil’s spawn, I was convinced. But as soon as she realized we weren’t going to hurt her (a few treats helped with that) and once we changed her name from Mi Mi to Bucca (yes, named after the famed restaurant Buca Di Beppo), her attitude changed as if she was just bitter about her previous namesake.

I could write a book about this dog. The process of putting ‘magic sprinkles’ on her food just so she’d eat, how she acts like a ferocious tiger when birds are outside but whimps out when she gets close to one, or about her psychological meltdown when she was spayed – going through postpartum depression over a squeaky shoe toy (I’m not making this stuff up).

But for now, she’s in the doghouse because she ate our dinner.

Just a few ingredients and minimal prep will have you praising these delicious and tender whole30 compliant slow cooker pulled pork carnitas!

Was this meal difficult or time-consuming to make? Ha, no. So I could easily make it again. But it’s the principle of it all – she ATE the whole30 slow cooker pork carnitas she KNEW were off limits.

I can’t really blame her though. What’s not to love about tender pulled pork with hints of chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion, fresh lime juice, and hints of jalepeno? Add a big heap of fresh cilantro and diced avocados on top and you have a meal that dogs (and humans) will go bonkers over. The best part, it’s pretty much effortless to make this easy, whole30 compliant meal in your slow cooker. Even BETTER part? These carnitas make amazing leftovers too! Just DON’T leave them on a low, doggie-accessable platform and turn your back.

I love throwing a big pile of this no-fuss dinner in a few romaine lettuce leaves and gettin’ all messy as I stuff my face. Luckily I don’t have a white fur beard, so unlike my dog, I don’t have to take a bath after eating these…

Low-carb, whole30 compliant, paleo and EASY! This recipe for slow cooker pork carnitas is a serious winner.

Recreating this meal is easy with a few prep steps before starting the slow-cooker process.  Rinse and pat dry the pork shoulder. Next, combine the spices and sprinkle all over the pork and gently pat the dry rub on to the meat so it sticks. Drizzle the olive oil on top. Slice one small yellow onion very thinly, de-seed and dice one jalepeno, and add to the slow cooker. Squeeze the juice from two limes over the top and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The thicker the roast, the more time it will take to cook.

After the meat is fully cooked, shred with two forks, removing any large chunks of fat that remain. Mix the the pulled pork with all the juices in the crockpot. If desired, spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil for five minutes for crispy shreds of pork.

Pork carnitas have never been easier! This recipe for whole30 compliant pulled pork carnitas is delicious and makes great leftovers!

You can serve the meat in corn or flour tortillas, inside leaves of bib or romaine lettuce, or on top of a salad. Garnish fresh cilantro and avocado.

I reinvent any leftovers by putting leftover pork in sandwiches with salsa or avocado crema or make a pulled pork white chili made with chicken stock, salsa verde, cumin, and white beans (optional).

Chili powder, cumin, and oregano combined with onions, lime juice, and diced jalepeno is all you need for the BEST whole30 compliant slow cooker pork carnitas ever!

If you are a slow cooker lover like myself, and interested in more clean eating recipes – you HAVE to also try this A1 inspired slow cooker beef roast (also whole30 compliant).

From out sweet Bucca, (aka the miniature albino German shepherd as my husband calls her) to you, enjoy!!

Print

Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

The easiest way to make pork carnitas that are flavorful, tender, and juicy. Whole30 compliant too! These slow cooker pork carnitas are healthy, yummy, and make great leftovers!

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Physical Kitchness
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • juice of 2 limes
  • 1 small onion, finely sliced
  • 1 large jalapeño, seed removed and finely diced

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the pork shoulder
  2. Combine the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper then sprinkle all over the pork. Gently pat the dry rub on to the meat so it sticks. Place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker
  3. Drizzle the olive oil on top and add the onion and jalepeno
  4. Squeeze the juice from two limes over the top and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The thicker the roast, the more time it will take to cook
  5. After the meat is fully cooked, shred it with two forks, removing any large chunks of fat that remain. Mix the the pulled pork with all the juices in the slow cooker. If desired, spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil for five minutes for crispy shreds of pork
  6. Serve with cilantro and diced avocados

 

The easiest, tastiest, cleanest pork carnitas ever! Whole30 compliant and paleo, these slow cooker pork carnitas are made with a few simple ingredients for a set and forget dinner everyone will love. Makes amazing leftovers too!
Chrissa
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63 Comments Filed Under: Dinner, Physical Kitchness, Recipes, Whole30 Tagged With: crockpot, paleo, pork, slow cooker, whole30[heart_this]

About Chrissa

I'm Chrissa - a lover of cooking, hater of spiders, fitness enthusiast, red lipstick wearer, mom and wife. Here you will find healthy recipes the family will love, step-by-step workout tutorials, meal planning guides and wellness tips.

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Comments

  1. rachel @ athletic avocado says

    July 25, 2016 at 4:27 am

    I love slow cooked pork! Now this needs to be made for dinner soon 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:26 pm

      Fab idea. I like where your head is at!

      Reply
  2. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:23 am

    Hahahaha 😛
    O man, but I need to bring up the slow cooker right now…no AC in the house during our biggest heat wave!!!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Noooooo!!! That sounds AWFUL!!!! Yes, bust out that slow cooker or maybe just go out for dinner tonight! 😉

      Reply
  3. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    July 25, 2016 at 9:27 am

    I can’t believe your dog swiped your food!!! Too much! I’m a cat person so…LOL. This looks really good! I have never slow cooked pork but this looks tempting!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:21 pm

      Might have to trade her in for a cat (kidding)! You’ll have to try this Janelle – it’s really great and so tender!

      Reply
  4. shar says

    July 25, 2016 at 9:28 am

    have a pork shoulder in the freezer.. guess what i will be making this week 🙂
    ps. I think a whole blog about the cute dog called Bucca.. laughed out loud! thanks for sharing her with us!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      She deserves her own blog for sure. I would have PLENTY to write about! Thanks Shar!

      Reply
  5. Kimberly says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:00 am

    These look so easy and yummy. I would make it for taco filling then use it for quesadillas as leftovers.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      YES YES YES! Love it. Reinventing leftovers is soooooo clutch!

      Reply
  6. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:02 am

    MY kids love pork in the slow cooker. Do you use any liquid in the crock pot?

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      Hey Deborah – no liquid needed! The olive oil keeps things moist and the natural juices from the pork keeps everything really tender!

      Reply
  7. Mikki says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:25 am

    I love cooking in the crock pot during the summer. It’s so easy and no hot oven to contend with.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:19 pm

      Exactly! I kind of forget about it because it seems like such a fall/winter staple but it gives us love year round 😉

      Reply
  8. Cara says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Yum, yum, yum!! This looks so tender and flavorful. Now I’m officially hungry-haha

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:18 pm

      Then I’ve done something right! LOL. Thanks Cara!

      Reply
  9. glenneth says

    July 25, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    wow – that sounds delicious!!! saving this for a future dinner! thanks!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:16 pm

      Thanks! Enjoy this super easy meal!

      Reply
  10. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    Love that this is made in the slow cooker! I don’t eat pork, but I bet it would be fantastic with a beef roast, too!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:15 pm

      Definitely Jessica! Great idea!

      Reply
  11. Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:57 pm

    Aw aren’t puppies fun? Sure, they can be real assholes sometimes, but at the end of the day they’re just too darn cute to be mad at! Love the recipe! It looks delish!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 25, 2016 at 5:15 pm

      Bahaha I giggled out loud at your comment. Yes, couldn’t agree more. Half the time I want to give her away but I never, ever could!

      Reply
  12. GiGi Eats says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Wow do those look phenomenal! I am not a pork kind of girl, but I could get it on with some chicken – and this slow cooker! I registered for one for when I get married!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:53 pm

      Oh you get that Gigi! It’s essential for a cute ‘lil future newlywed like yourself!

      Reply
  13. Taylor Kiser says

    July 25, 2016 at 7:01 pm

    Cooking in the slow cooker in this heat is where it’s at!! These pork carnitas look ahhmazing and need to be in my life asap!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:53 pm

      Yes you doooooo! And really, how can you NOT love the slow cooker any time of year. Best invention EVER!

      Reply
  14. Ilka says

    July 25, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    Love the salad wraps and the slow cooker idea sounds great!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      I hope you try it Ilka!

      Reply
  15. Christina Bauer says

    July 25, 2016 at 7:57 pm

    I LOVE using the slow cooker on these hot days! Perfect way to cook a proper meal without expending too much heat in the house 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      Exactly! Still a warm, hearty meal without sweating while it cooks! Thanks Christina!

      Reply
  16. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    These look so good! I need to get the slow cooker back out. I hate to turn on the oven in the warm months. I would literally eat tacos every day.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:51 pm

      I hate doing anything in the oven or stove top in the summer too. But at least the slow cooker won’t make the entire house HOT. And summer is perfect for tacos. So it’s a win/win, right?!

      Reply
  17. Emily Kyle says

    July 26, 2016 at 4:19 am

    This story about your dog is too funny!! These pork carnitas must be just that delicious!! They look wonderful!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:47 pm

      They ARE delicious and smell really yummy, hence why the pooch went to TOWN on them! 😉 Thanks Emily!

      Reply
  18. Beverley @ Born to Sweat says

    July 26, 2016 at 7:12 am

    lololol omg your dog. your family. i love it.
    i’m like your husband, i LOVEEEE me a big dog. but yours must be pretty damn amazing if he was swayed to such a little guy haha. And as i’m sure you know, MEN ARE SO NONCHALANT when it comes to pets. Umm mine is heavily overweight and Adam would be happy to continue feeding him until he couldn’t walk. UGHHH.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:46 pm

      HAHAHA you know what’s funny? My dog LOVES cats (I think because cats are small like her). And based on your snaps, I feel like your kitty and my naughty pup would be besties (kind of like us). Adam has a kat, Josh has a girly dog. Our dudes would probably be bff’s too 😉

      Reply
  19. Alisa Fleming says

    July 26, 2016 at 7:37 am

    You really can’t blame her, I bet the smell alone was impossible to resist! I love the versatility of preparation like this, too. Great in lettuce wraps, bowls, tortillas, etc!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:43 pm

      I know, I know! My husband said the same thing. It’s my fault for leaving it out and available for her consumption. I’ve forgiven that little fur ball. YES, this meal is so versatile! Thanks Alisa!

      Reply
  20. Kelly @ Eat the Gains says

    July 26, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    This looks so good! Anything easy and in the crockpot has my attention. My boyfriend and I are thinking about getting dog. I’m nervous since it is such a huge responsibility. We are already on the same cell phone plan though..lol!!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      Hey, you’re already committed. The cell thing is a big step, I’m convinced! Go for the pup – it’s a lot of work but man, when they love up on you it’s totally worth it!! Love my naughty pup!

      Reply
  21. Emily says

    July 26, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    I make one very similar, and if I had a dog and they took it – I probably wouldn’t have a dog anymore!! LOL food is serious business! 😉 Funny story!!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      RIGHT?! I wanted to attack her! But I mean, it DOES smell pretty amazing so I can’t totally blame her for sneaking a plateful. It’s forgivable I guess!

      Reply
  22. Jill Conyers says

    July 26, 2016 at 5:53 pm

    I’m always looking for new recipes to make for my family. I think they’ll like this.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      It’s a family favorite in this house for sure. Thanks Jill!

      Reply
  23. Jess @hellotofit says

    July 26, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    LMAO I remember this on snap chat!! LOVE that your dog’s name is Bucca. Annnnnd I feel like you and I need to get together for post-baby wine night, it’d be so much fun 😛
    PS this looks FAB, and I’ve pinned it so that I can remember to make it!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      Oh girlfriend, I’m soooooo in for wine night. If only I still lived in VA! BOO. Glad you enjoy my crazy life snap chats – I can always count on you for ‘getting’ my sense of humor! Love ya 😉

      Reply
  24. Crystal@WhatTreasuresAwait says

    August 1, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    It’s hard to blame him…it does look delicious! Pinning! Thanks for sharing at Welcome Home Wednesdays!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      Thanks so much Crystal. You can’t not love those little fur balls!

      Reply
  25. Theresa says

    August 8, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    Oh yummy, slow cooker pork tacos. WE do a lot of slow cooker recipes this time of year. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 8, 2016 at 11:19 pm

      So glad you found this recipe Theresa! Enjoy and keep up all that good slow cooker work!

      Reply
  26. ALICIA says

    February 10, 2017 at 10:39 am

    This looks really easy. Question for you – other recipes I have used call for 1 lb of fat (I’ve always used real, whole pork lard from Epic), but yours only says 1 tbsp of oil. Why is there such a difference in the fat added? Is your recipe more/less oily or moist?

    Alicia @ http://www.GirlonaHike.com

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      February 12, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      Hey Alicia – good question. I find the pork naturally has enough fat/lard on it that keeps it moist during cooking. I’m not sure it it’s less oily than other recipes, but it definitely isn’t dry! Thanks 🙂

      Reply
  27. Hannah Lewis says

    May 11, 2017 at 11:02 am

    I’ll admit I didn’t have the patience to read through all of the comments to see if someone else has already asked this, but do you think it would be acceptable to use just a regular loin in place of the shoulder? Hoping it would work because my mom accidentally bought loin instead.

    Thanks for any info!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      May 11, 2017 at 11:13 am

      Loin will not shred like shoulder does – it’s a much leaner cut. So you could try the recipe but you will probably end up with slices of pork rather than shredded pieces. Sorry!!

      Reply
  28. Karen Affholter says

    September 4, 2017 at 10:02 am

    Do you have an actual recipe for the chili you mentioned at the end? Because that sounds super yummy too!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      September 25, 2017 at 9:52 am

      I don’t have one posted – I usually just throw it together. But great idea for a future post!

      Reply
  29. Wendy says

    January 21, 2018 at 4:31 pm

    Hi! I’ve been following you on IG for a while and love your 30 Minute Meal Revolution! I’m making this recipe for my husband’s sisters and one of their husbands here in Japan today. It’s in the slow cooker now and I’m ready to wow them this evening!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      February 12, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      Thanks so so much Wendy! Glad you love the meal plan!

      Reply
  30. Samantha says

    March 17, 2018 at 5:04 am

    Do you know how long to cook in the instapot? Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      March 19, 2018 at 1:18 pm

      I haven’t tried it in my IP yet, but my guess is 45 minutes!

      Reply
  31. Kimberly says

    August 8, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    Have to admit I was skeptical about the lack of liquid – i cook a lot of shoulders in the crockpot and most recipes ask for lots of liquid! But this was PERFECT! The pork released enough juice and it wasn’t dry at all! Shredded very easily and is delicious! – planning to serve with cauliflower rice for meal prepped lunches! Thanks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 29, 2018 at 6:03 am

      I’m SO glad this meal exceeded your expectations Kimberly!

      Reply
  32. Faith says

    September 2, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    Daughter just started whole30 and this made with chicken was amazing!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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