Ingredients:

  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
  • 1 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks. This helps with even cooking.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork chunks.
  3. Place diced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange seasoned pork on top of the onions.
  4. Sprinkle minced garlic over the meat then pour bourbon whiskey and lime juice evenly over everything.
  5. Finally, sprinkle brown sugar over the top for a touch of sweetness that balances out flavors.
  6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low heat for 8 hours or until pork is tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
  7. Once cooked through, use tongs or forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker; stir everything well to combine.
  8. If desired, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving.
  9. Enjoy your carnitas in tacos or burritos or as a filling for nachos!