Easy Crockpot Lamb Carnitas for Tacos & Bowls (Print Version)
Tender, flavorful lamb carnitas made effortlessly in your crockpot. Perfect for building delicious tacos, hearty bowls, or for simple meal prep. A family-friendly weeknight favorite.
# 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, Halal
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Lamb Foundation
01 -
3 1/2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
02 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Aromatic Braising Elixir
03 -
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
04 -
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
05 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
06 -
1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
2 bay leaves
→ Zesty Carnitas Spice Rub
09 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
10 -
1 tbsp smoked paprika
11 -
1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
12 -
1 tsp chili powder
13 -
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Finishing Touch & Freshness
14 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
15 -
2 limes, cut into wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Trim 3 1/2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder of excess fat. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Season the lamb generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then rub with the spice mixture for your Easy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot for Tacos & Bowls.
02 -
Place the seasoned lamb shoulder into a 6-quart or larger crockpot. Scatter 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped, and 4 cloves garlic, minced, around the lamb. Add 2 bay leaves to the pot.
03 -
Pour 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth over the lamb and aromatics. Ensure the lamb is partially submerged in the liquid for optimal braising.
04 -
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 7 hours (420 minutes), or until the lamb is fork-tender and easily shreds. This slow cooking process is key to tender Easy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot for Tacos & Bowls.
05 -
Carefully remove the cooked lamb from the crockpot and transfer it to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the lamb into bite-sized pieces. Skim and discard any excess fat from the cooking liquid remaining in the crockpot.
06 -
For crispy carnitas, preheat your oven broiler. Spread the shredded lamb on a baking sheet. Ladle 1/2 to 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid over the lamb. Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until edges are browned and crispy. Alternatively, pan-fry in a skillet. This step elevates your Easy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot for Tacos & Bowls.
07 -
Transfer the crispy lamb carnitas to a serving platter. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, and serve immediately with 2 limes, cut into wedges. Enjoy your Easy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot for Tacos & Bowls in tacos, bowls, or burritos.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, sear the lamb shoulder in a hot pan for a few minutes on all sides before adding it to the crockpot.
02 -
Leftover lamb carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
03 -
If you don't have fresh orange juice, you can use store-bought 100% orange juice. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
04 -
These carnitas are fantastic in warm tortillas with pickled onions, avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce, or as a protein base for a hearty salad bowl.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Sharp knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Large skillet
06 -
Shredding forks
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 335 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
Protein: 32 g