Bacon Fat Carnitas: Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Recipe

Let me tell ya, there’s nothing quite like the smell of bacon and pork shoulder melding together in the kitchen. If you’ve been searching for a way to take your taco game to the next level, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Bacon Fat Carnitas recipe. Trust me, once you try this easy slow-cooked pork shoulder recipe, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

First off, who wouldn’t love the combination of crispy bacon and tender, juicy pork? This recipe is not only packed with flavor but it’s also a breeze to whip up. You just toss everything in the pot and let it slow cook while you sit back and relax.

Seriously, it’s that simple! Plus, the crispy edges that you get when you finish it off under the broiler? Pure magic.

Another reason this dish is a crowd-pleaser is versatility. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just having a quiet dinner at home, these carnitas fit right in. You can load them up in tortillas, top them with your favorite garnishes, and watch them disappear faster than a cold drink on a hot day.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

Alright, let’s get into the good stuff. For this recipe, you’ll need a hefty pork shoulder, about 7 to 9 pounds, which is perfect for feeding a crowd. You’ll also want to grab some bacon-yes, bacon!

We’re using that fat to cook the pork and add incredible flavor. The rest of the ingredients are pretty standard; think spices like oregano, garlic powder, and cumin, plus a few aromatics like onion and garlic.

Don’t forget the Mexican Coke! It adds a unique sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully. And of course, you’ll need tortillas and some fresh toppings like onion, cilantro, and lime to really make these tacos pop.

Trust me, you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

How To Make It

Now let’s dive into how to make these delicious bacon fat carnitas. It’s all about layering flavors and letting that slow cooker do its thing. You’re gonna love how easy this is!

Preparation

First things first, let’s get that pork shoulder ready. Cut it into chunks, which will help it cook evenly. In a bowl, mix together your spices-oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cumin.

Rub that seasoning all over the pork chunks so that every bite is packed with flavor.

Next, you’ll want to bring your bacon up to around 300 degrees. This is where the magic begins. Once it’s hot, toss in the seasoned pork chunks and let them fry until they’re beautifully golden brown.

This step takes about an hour, and flipping them occasionally ensures that every side gets that nice crust.

Cooking

Once your pork is golden and crispy, it’s time to reduce the heat and add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in half a bottle of that Mexican Coke, toss in the garlic head (with the top cut off), quartered onion, and squeeze the juice of the sliced orange in. Don’t forget to add the rind too!

Finally, drop in those bay leaves. This is where we let the slow cooker work its magic.

Let everything simmer for about two hours. You’ll know it’s done when the pork is fork-tender and practically falling apart. When it’s ready, take it out of the broth, shred it with two forks, and prepare to build your tacos.

You can even give it a quick broil afterward to get those edges extra crispy-trust me, it’s worth it.

Serving & Variations

Now that your carnitas are ready, let’s talk about serving. Load them into warm tortillas and top with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. You can even add a splash of your favorite salsa or guacamole for that extra kick.

A common consensus among home cooks is: don’t skip the broiling step! It really elevates the dish by giving those shredded bits a crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the tender meat. If you have leftovers (which is a big if), store them in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for a later taco night.

You can even mix things up by adding different spices or toppings based on your mood.

Wrapping Up

This Bacon Fat Carnitas recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of savory pork and crispy bacon is just unbeatable, and the ease of cooking makes it a winner for any occasion. So gather your friends, make some tacos, and enjoy the beautiful flavors of this dish.

Recipe created by Big Ks Que for Trust Me Try It.

Bacon Fat Carnitas: Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Recipe

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 7-9 pound pork shoulder
• 2 tubs bacon up
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 onion
• 1 orange
• 1 head of garlic
• 1 Mexican coke
• Tortillas
• Onion, cilantro and lime for garnish

Instructions

• Cut pork shoulder into chunks , mix all your seasonings together and season pork
• Bring bacon up to 300 degrees and place pork chunks in and let fry
• Turning as needed
• After an hour or when they are golden brown
• Reduce heat to low , add half bottle c0ke , garlic head with top cut off , quartered onion , slice orange in half add juice and rind
• & bay leaves
• Simmer for two hours
• Remove from broth shred , build tacos and enjoy !!