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My favorite food is definitely Mexican food. Oh, and Thai food. Wait, I can’t forget Mediterranean and Italian. Whatever, I like it all, OK?
But, Mexican food is definitely one of my favorite cuisines, and I must say, it very easily adapts to a healthy lifestyle. My favorite flavors are that of the smoky chilies, the bright cilantro, fresh tomatoes, and tangy lime. Oh and DUH – all of the avocado. I can do without the fried chimichangas and cheese covered burritos, for the most part, and I think it’s the reason I fall back on so many Mexican inspired dishes on a regular basis in my kitchen.
Recently, I’ve been trying to implement more theme nights into my weeknight routine, for some spice and to make meal planning a breeze. For example: Pasta Night, Comfort Food Classic Night, Breakfast for Dinner Night, and Taco Night!
Yay! Finally, a taco recipe on Miss Allie’s Kitchen andddd we’re making it Whole30 compliant. Feel absolutely FREE to use your own tortilla of choice if you’re not doing Whole30, or you could whip up some cauliflower tortillas if you’re feeling really creative. Try this recipe! Also – I compiled all of my favorite Whole30 recipes for ya here!
However, I’m a sucker for a good lettuce wrap, so that’s what I’m sharing today! Pork Carnitas are a fun diversion from typical ground beef or turkey and they pack SUCH a big flavor punch. I feel that the slow cooker is the best way to make them because you can get a seriously awesome char on the meat, and place it in the slow cooker to tenderize in tomatoes and spices for hours.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a slow cooker, here’s an updated version of the one I use! I love the way you can lock the lid in place for traveling or entertaining!*
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Check out these OTHER WHOLE30 COMPLIANT RECIPIES #ONTHEBLOG
PrintCrock Pot Pork Carnitas Tacos
Crock Pot Pork Carnitas Tacos are the easy, Whole30 approved way to have carnitas without any effort. Make tonight taco night!!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. of olive oil
- 4lb. pork shoulder (*see notes)
- 1 cup of unsalted chicken bone broth or broth
- 1 14.5oz can of diced tomatoes -unsalted
- 1 6 oz can of tomato paste – unsalted
- 1 lime – zest + juice
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 + 1/2 tsp. sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp. of chili powder
- 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper powder
- 1 head of lettuce – I like Butter or Romaine lettuce
- Optional toppings – tomato, avocado, cilantro, red onion, nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot (flick a drop of water into the pan to see if it sizzles), place the pork down in the pan. If the meat won’t fit in the pan, cut in half – it’s ok to sear in two batches, it won’t take long. Remove when each side has a nice brown color to it, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the seared pork in the bottom of your slow cooker and add all other ingredients besides the lettuce.
- Let this cook for 8 hours on low (or 4 hours on high).
- Pull the pork apart with forks, and scoop into sturdy lettuce pieces. Fold up, and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is very forgiving. I have made it with pork shoulder and very thick pork chops. The chops won’t be as juicy but it still works!
- Always feel free to go up in flavor and salt. You can always add but you can’t take away. This works well for us, however!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tacos
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 516 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 147 mg
*notes an affiliate link. if you decide to purchase this product, your price will remain the same as the listed price on the website, however, I will make a small commission. thank you for supporting Miss Allie’s Kitchen!
Ellie | Hungry by Nature says
GURL. These look killer! I adore carnitas and love that you used lettuce as the taco shell (I did that for dinner last night too!). Now all I need is a crock pot that locks closed – game changer.
Miss AK says
I am all about the lettuce wrap! I have always done that – so easy and delish!
Emily Weir says
I’ve never ventured out to make my own pork carnitas, but these sound so easy to make! And delicious.
Miss AK says
I hadn’t either before I started testing these, but they are sooo easy! It really is nice to mix it up!
rachel @ athletic avocado says
yes these are my kind of tacos!!! You are killing it with the whole30 recipes! These pictures ar gorgeous!
Miss AK says
You’re the sweetest, Rachel!
Emily Swanson says
I like it all too Allie; I love how all of you Whole 30 gals are using it to make so many amazing looking meals and treats. You’re killing it! 🙂 So many God-given gifts here; it’s awesome to be able to see you use them!
Miss AK says
I am having so much fun! You’re the sweetest, Em! It’s fun to give yourself some boundaries and get creative!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
I am 110% obsessed with taco lettuce wraps. OBSESSED. Love this recipe too – the crockpot is my saving grace during the busy work week!
Kate says
How do you fit all the pork chops in the bottom of the crock pot. Mine is a regular size one and there’s no way 4pounds of chips would fit in the bottom. Do you stack them?
Miss AK says
Yes, mine is, too! Stacking is fine. They will all cook and soften well! Thanks for your question 🙂
Heather says
Are you using bone in pork chops or boneless?
Miss AK says
Hi Heather! I normally use boneless, but bone-in would work great, too! There’s not really a way to mess these guys up!
H says
Hey Allie, will I be able to keep the leftovers for another day or will the tomatoes spoil? Thanks.
Miss AK says
Absolutely! These can be stored in your fridge for about a week! Thanks for your question 🙂
Matt says
Great taco recipe!
I’m now gonna try to make it before my GF gets home (I’m in the dog house for forgetting our anniversary!!!) This is her favorite so hopefully it will do the trick.
Keep up the great work!
Miss AK says
hahah good luck!
Anna Powell says
Wow. these look awesome and perfect for Keto. I would have never thought to use Apple Cider Vinegar. Awesome pictures.
Miss AK says
Oh thank you so much!!
Jessica says
The Lettuce wrap is awesome, Allie 🙂 Yet another great recipe to try.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Jessica