Pork isn’t a frequent visitor to my kitchen, with the exception of bacon, of course! However, when I do decide to cook it, I aim for a dish that’s not only delicious but also leaves me craving more. My love for shredded pork led me to create a Weight Watchers carnitas version, a Mexican-inspired pulled pork that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
This carnitas recipe produces pork that’s incredibly tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. As long as you have a slow cooker, you can make tender carnitas every time. Its versatility is one of its best features – you can use it to make wraps, top off a bowl of rice, sprinkle it over nachos, or simply enjoy it on its own. No matter how you choose to serve it, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this mouthwatering dish!
And if you are looking for even more delicious recipes be sure to check out my collection of slow cooker recipes.
Three reasons why you need to make this recipe!
A slow cooker recipe is always a win in my book.
The crockpot cooks this pork shoulder all day long, filling the house with an enticing aroma. The family will be excited to dive in!
You can spice up Taco Tuesday!
Instead of making the regular taco ground beef, switch it up and make carnitas instead. It’ll wow the family, and have them begging for more.
Weight Watchers Carnitas is low in fat and high in protien.
One three-oz serving of this carnitas is a whopping 39 grams of protein. That’s fantastic for one meal.
Recipe Overview:
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Number of Servings: 10
- Time to Cook: 6 hours 5 minutes
- WW Points Per Recipe: 8 WW points per serving (Click here to view the recipe in the WW app. WW login is required)
Ingredients you need to make Weight Watchers Carnitas:
- 3.5-4 pound pork shoulder
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 Tbsp cumin
- 1/2 Tbsp thyme
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Dash of salt and pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, about 2 oranges
How to make Weight Watchers Carnitas (step by step):
- Turn the slow cooker to high.
- In a small bowl mix together the oregano, cumin, thyme, chili powder, and onion powder.
- Brush the pork shoulder with the oil, sprinkle on the salt and pepper, and then rub on the seasoning mixture so it covers all areas of the pork.
- Place the pork in the slow cooker, fat cap facing up.
- Add in the diced garlic and fresh squeezed orange juice. Cook on high for 5-6 hours, or low for 8-10 hours.
- Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker then shred the pork using a fork. Place the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and mix with the liquid that is in the slow cooker.
- The pork is ready to be served after that. Enjoy!
Makes 10 servings. Nutrition info for 1 serving: Calories 237, Fat 7 g, Saturated fat 2 g, Carbs 2 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugars 1 g, Sodium 100 mg, Protein 39 g.
Different ways to change up this recipe:
- Use small tortillas to make wraps. I love adding a little cheese, ranch or aioli, and some fresh cilantro.
- Another option is to use the pork to top rice, nachos, or baked potatoes.
Tips and Tricks for Making Weight Watchers Carnitas:
- You don’t need to trim off the fat before cooking. It will fall off when the pork is cooked.
- The pork will freeze well for up to 3 months. It will also keep in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Similar recipes you’ll enjoy:
Weight Watchers Carnitas
Ingredients
- 3.5-4 pound pork shoulder
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 Tbsp cumin
- 1/2 Tbsp thyme
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Dash of salt & pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, about 2 oranges
Instructions
- Turn the slow cooker to high.
- In a small bowl mix together the oregano, cumin, thyme, chili powder, and onion powder.
- Brush the pork shoulder with the oil, sprinkle on the salt and pepper, and then rub on the seasoning mixture so it covers all areas of the pork.
- Place the pork in the slow cooker, fat cap facing up.
- Add in the diced garlic and fresh squeezed orange juice. Cook on high for 5-6 hours, or low for 8-10 hours.
- Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker then shred the pork using a fork. Place the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and mix with the liquid that is in the slow cooker.
- The pork is ready to be served after that. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Looks yum! My hubs often boycotts chicken so can’t wait to try. Do you think this would be instant-pot friendly?
Hi Ana, yes I think you could cook in the instantpot, I don’t have one but maybe google to help on cooking times .. I hope you enjoy it
Question: Doesn’t the fat from that fat cap make its way into the meat and the liquid that the pork will be added back to? That liquid seems like it would be really greasy. I’d love not having to remove the fat cap, but I’m surprised you don’t have to.
Hi Mary, no not really, the liquid was not greasy and the fat was easily removed once cooked, but if you prefer you can remove it before cooking
I’m entering the 12 days contest. I love ok carnitas. I enjoy your posts on Instagram and you make is easy to find you recipes. Thanks.