Easy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot: Authentic Mexican Flavor (Print Version)
Slow cook tender lamb carnitas in your crockpot for authentic Mexican flavor. This easy recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meat, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 420 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 435 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Succulent Lamb Core
01 -
3 1/2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch chunks
→ Authentic Flavor Builders
02 -
1 large yellow onion, quartered
03 -
6 cloves garlic, smashed
04 -
1 jalapeño, halved and deseeded (optional, for mild heat)
05 -
2 bay leaves
06 -
1 large orange, halved
07 -
1 large lime, halved
→ Mexican Spice Symphony
08 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
09 -
1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano
10 -
1 tbsp chili powder
11 -
2 tsp kosher salt
12 -
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ The Tenderizing Elixir
13 -
1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from the orange)
14 -
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from the lime)
15 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
16 -
1/4 cup lard or avocado oil (for crisping after slow cooking)
# Instructions:
01 -
Trim 3 1/2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder of excess fat and cut into 2-inch chunks. Quarter 1 large yellow onion, smash 6 cloves garlic, and halve/deseed 1 jalapeño (if using). This readies your ingredients for the Easy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot: Authentic Mexican Flavor.
02 -
In a large bowl, toss the lamb chunks with 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano, 1 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated. This spice blend is key for authentic flavor.
03 -
Place the seasoned lamb in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the quartered 1 large yellow onion, smashed 6 cloves garlic, 1 jalapeño, 2 bay leaves, and the halved 1 large orange and 1 large lime.
04 -
Pour in 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours (420 minutes) or on high for 4 hours, until the lamb is fork-tender for your Easy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot: Authentic Mexican Flavor.
05 -
Carefully remove the cooked lamb from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaves, citrus halves, and jalapeño. Strain the cooking liquid, reserving about 1/2 cup for later use to keep the carnitas moist.
06 -
Heat 1/4 cup lard or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shredded lamb in batches, pressing down to create crispy edges. Cook for 3-5 minutes per batch, until beautifully browned and crispy. This step is crucial for authentic Easy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot: Authentic Mexican Flavor.
07 -
Transfer the crispy lamb carnitas to a serving platter. Serve immediately with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onion, and your favorite salsa. Enjoy the rich, authentic taste of your Easy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot: Authentic Mexican Flavor!
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra burst of freshness, serve your lamb carnitas with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. Pickled red onions also make a fantastic topping!
02 -
Leftover lamb carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet to re-crisp, adding a splash of broth if dry.
03 -
If you don't have lamb shoulder, boneless pork shoulder (pork butt) works perfectly for traditional carnitas. Adjust cooking time if using a different cut or meat.
04 -
For ultimate crispiness, you can also spread the shredded lamb on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
large cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
05 -
tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 685 kcal
Total Fat: 46 g
Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
Protein: 60 g