If you're a fan of tender and flavorful carnitas, then you need to try this slow-cooked pork recipe! Made with just a few simple ingredients, each 3 oz (85 g) serving of these carnitas contains around 200 calories, making it a great option for a filling and satisfying meal. The long cooking time also allows the pork to tenderize and soak up all of the delicious flavors, ensuring that each bite is a burst of savory goodness.

In addition to being delicious, this slow-cooked pork carnitas recipe is also a good source of protein, with around 18 grams per serving. It's also relatively low in fat, with just 9 grams per serving, and only contains around 7 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet. You'll also be getting important vitamins and minerals from the pork, including iron and zinc.

But what really sets these slow-cooked pork carnitas apart is the health benefits that come from cooking it at a low temperature for a long time. Slow cooking helps to break down the connective tissue in the pork, making it easier to digest and allowing your body to absorb more of the nutrients. It also helps to preserve the flavor and moisture of the meat without adding any extra, unwanted ingredients.

Calories in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

Each 3 oz (85 g) serving of these slow-cooked pork carnitas contains around 200 calories. The bulk of the calories come from the pork itself, which is a good source of protein and other important nutrients.

Protein Content in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

These slow-cooked pork carnitas are a great source of protein, with around 18 grams per 3 oz (85 g) serving. Protein is a crucial nutrient for maintaining and building muscle mass, and is also important for bone health and wound healing.

Fat Content in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

Each serving of these slow-cooked pork carnitas contains around 9 grams of fat. While this may seem high, much of the fat comes from the pork itself, which is a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Additionally, slow cooking the pork allows much of the fat to render out, helping to keep the dish relatively low in calories and fat overall.

Carbohydrate Content in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

Each serving of these slow-cooked pork carnitas contains around 7 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a great option for those following a low-carb diet, or for anyone looking to balance their macronutrient intake.

Vitamin Content in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

These slow-cooked pork carnitas are also a good source of several important vitamins, including iron and zinc. Iron is important for oxygen transport in the body and can help prevent anemia, while zinc is vital for a healthy immune system and wound healing.

Mineral Content in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

In addition to vitamins, these slow-cooked pork carnitas also contain several important minerals, including magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is important for healthy bone development and maintaining proper heart function, while potassium is crucial for controlling blood pressure and ensuring proper muscle function.

Health Benefits of Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

The long cooking time involved in making these slow-cooked pork carnitas provides a number of health benefits. Firstly, it helps to break down the connective tissue in the pork, making it easier to digest and allowing your body to absorb more of the nutrients. Additionally, slow cooking helps to preserve the flavor and moisture of the meat without adding any extra, unwanted ingredients. Overall, these slow-cooked pork carnitas are a healthy and delicious way to satisfy your cravings for flavorful, tender meat.

How to Cook Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

To make these slow-cooked pork carnitas, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including pork shoulder, garlic, onion, lime juice, and a blend of spices. First, you'll need to season the pork with the spice blend and let it marinate for at least an hour in the fridge. Then, you'll sear the pork in a pan before transferring it to a slow cooker with the garlic, onion, and lime juice. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart. Once the pork is done, you can shred it with a fork and use it in tacos, burritos, or any other dish that calls for juicy, flavorful carnitas.

Storage Guidelines for Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

If you have leftovers, you can store the slow-cooked pork carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can simply microwave it or heat it up in a pan over medium heat until it's warm and crispy.

Tips for Serving Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

These slow-cooked pork carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Some popular serving suggestions include using them to make tacos, burritos, or quesadillas, or serving them over a bed of rice or quinoa. You can also top them with your favorite garnishes, such as salsa, cilantro, or avocado. No matter how you choose to serve them, these slow-cooked pork carnitas are sure to be a hit with your friends and family!