Dr. Pepper Carnitas (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)

Dr. Pepper Carnitas (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)

Dr. Pepper Carnitas is a sweet variation on authentic preparations that can be prepared in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot using the Slow Cook setting, then finishing in a hot pan to achieve tender-crisp results.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican-American

Keyword Crispy Slow Cooked Dr. Pepper Carnitas, Dr. Pepper Carnitas

Prep Time 10

Approximate slow cooking time 8

Total Time 8 10

Servings

Calories 188kcal

Author Christina Koncker

Equipment

Instant Pot (or Slow Cooker)
Slow Cooker (or Instant Pot)
10-inch cast iron pan

Ingredients

3-3 ½ pound pork shoulder (pork butt)
1 12 ounce can Dr. Pepper
3-4 jalapenos
1 large onion
8 cloves garlic
1 ½ tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoons oregano
1 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
2 tablespoons bacon grease or olive oil

Instructions

Cut the jalapeno and onion into strips - you don’t need to be perfect here. Remove the papery exterior from each garlic clove and cut it in half. Add jalapeno, onion, and garlic to Slow Cooker or Instant Pot.
Combine cumin, oregano, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to a bowl and mix to combine.
Coat the pork shoulder (pork butt) with the seasoning mixture. Coat it over the SlowCooker or Instant Pot so stray seasonings fall into the vessel.
Add the pork shoulder, then add the entire 12 ounce can of Dr. Pepper. Put the lid on the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot. In a slow cooker, cook on high for around 6 hours, or on low for around 8 hours. In an Instant Pot, Slow Cook on NORMAL for 8 hours and HIGH for 7 ½ hours.
Remove the lid once the cooking time is up. Shred the pork in the liquid before removing it. Fish out the shredded pork and put in a sieve or spider to remove excess liquid.
Heat 2 tablespoons of bacon grease or oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once heated, arrange shredded pork in an even layer in the pan and cook, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes. Using tongs, flip the pork. It should appear golden brown and crispy. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve hot! These Dr. Pepper Carnitas make fantastic tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

Nutrition