Crockpot Lamb Carnitas (Printable Version)
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with vibrant citrus and spices, crisped to perfection under the broiler.
# Ingredients Required:
→ Meat
01 -
1.4–1.8 kg boneless lamb shoulder or beef chuck roast
→ Seasonings and Spices
02 -
15 ml olive oil
03 -
1 tablespoon (about 6 g) ground cumin
04 -
2 teaspoons (about 4 g) smoked paprika
05 -
1 teaspoon (about 1 g) dried oregano
06 -
1 teaspoon (about 2.6 g) chili powder
07 -
1 teaspoon (about 6 g) salt
08 -
½ teaspoon (about 1 g) black pepper
→ Produce
09 -
1 large onion, diced
10 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
2 oranges, juiced (approximately 120 ml)
12 -
2 limes, juiced (approximately 60 ml)
13 -
1 bay leaf
→ Liquids
14 -
240 ml chicken broth
# Guide to Cooking:
01 -
Pat the lamb shoulder or beef chuck roast dry with paper towels to ensure better seasoning adherence and browning. Rub the meat evenly with olive oil, then coat generously with ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
02 -
Place diced onion, minced garlic, and bay leaf into the crockpot. Set the seasoned meat on top. Pour in the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth to add brightness and assist in tenderizing during cooking.
03 -
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the meat is tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
04 -
Using two forks, shred the meat directly in the crockpot to absorb the cooking juices. Transfer the shredded meat to a foil-lined baking sheet. Spread evenly and drizzle with a few spoonfuls of the reserved cooking liquid. Broil in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, then stir and broil an additional 5 minutes until edges are crisped.
05 -
Serve the carnitas warm in corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, salsa, and lime wedges. Alternatively, use in burrito bowls, enchiladas, or loaded nachos.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Patting the meat dry before seasoning promotes better browning and deeper flavor development.
02 -
Broiling the shredded meat enhances texture by creating crispy edges while retaining juiciness.