Apple Cider Slow Cooker Carnitas with Fresh Apple Salsa
Tender and juicy apple cider slow cooker carnitas are topped with a fresh apple salsa. A twist on the Mexican classic with new fall-inspired flavors!
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 8
Calories: 459kcal
Slow Cooker Cider Carnitas (serves 8)
- 1.5-2 lb Boneless Pork Shoulder
- 2 cups apple cider
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (200 g)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
Fresh Apple Salsa (serves 4)
- 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced into small cubes- ½ inch or so)
- 1 jalapeno (de-seeded- leave some seeds in if you want it spicy)
- 2 cups cucumber (diced into small cubes - ½ inch or so)
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves (torn)
- 2 tablespoons red onion (diced finely)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Slow Cooker Cider Carnitas
Place pork shoulder in bottom of slow cooker.
Whisk together remaining ingredients and pour over the pork.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Remove pork from slow cooker and place in a bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or two forks, shred the meat, then toss with ¼ cup (or more) of juices from slow cooker.
To Crisp Up (optional)
Line a baking sheet with foil, and spread the shredded pork out on the sheet. Spoon a few cups of the cooking liquid over top.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 5 minutes, until the edges of the shredded pork get crispy.
Storage
Apple cider carnitas may be cooked up to 4 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Warm back up in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in a frying pan on medium heat for 5 minutes.
You may also freeze in a heavy freezer bag or reusable silicone bag for up to 3 months.
Apple salsa does not keep well and should not be prepared ahead.
Serving: 2small tacos | Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 761mg | Potassium: 626mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 3mg