Easy Salsa Pork Tenderloin Carnitas (Slow Cooker)

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Make salsa Pork Tenderloin Carnitas in a slow cooker with just 3 ingredients! This easy recipe for juicy shredded pork is perfect for tacos and so much more.

If ever there was a secret ingredient that magically transforms a dish into something special with minimal calories or effort, it's salsa. It's a low-carb addition, too.

And using it to prepare carnitas (or "little meats") makes so much sense. The salsa provides a flavorful base of spices, herbs, and juices that tenderize and infuse the pork with rich, authentic flavors.

Since pork tenderloin is a leaner cut of meat, the moisture ensures that the slow-cooked pork is fall-apart tender and juicy, too.

The most important decision you'll face is what type of salsa to use! From fruity or spicy to chunky salsas, this easy pork carnitas recipe always delivers incredible flavor.

I keep a variety of jars on hand and pick one based on how I will use the meat. Planning pork tacos for dinner? I love to jazz it up with a burst of sweetness, and nothing does it better than a vibrant peach or mango salsa!

As with 3-ingredient salsa chicken, carnitas made from pork tenderloin is a staple meal prep recipe. I make a big batch at the beginning of the week and use the meat in various dishes, from soups and salads to sandwiches and burritos.

You read that right. You'll have endless dinner options from a single dish that requires minimal hands-on time.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Directions with Pictures
• How to Make Crispy Carnitas
• Ways to Use Salsa Pork Tenderloin Carnitas
• Storage
• More Pork Tenderloin Recipes
• 📋 Recipe

Ingredients

You need three simple ingredients to make this pork tenderloin carnitas recipe. Feel free to skip the onions or get creative with additional add-ins using the suggestions below.

• Pork tenderloin or pork loin - We use these cuts because they are lean.
  • Pork shoulder or pork butt is often favored for carnitas because of the higher fat content. And, of course, you can use this recipe with these cuts of pork, too.
  • Note: You most definitely can cook pork tenderloin in a crock-pot, and it's delicious. Pulled pork tenderloin was a favorite at our meal assembly stores.
• Salsa - Use your favorite kind because the flavor permeates the dish.
  • If you're carb-conscious, check the sugar content. 
• Onion can be sliced or diced. White, yellow, sweet, or even red onions will work. If you love onions, use 2!

Depending on how you will use the meat, you may want to add one or more of these ingredients to save time on the back end:

• Bell peppers sliced into strips or diced.
• Jalapeños or Serrano Peppers for heat.
• Beans such as pinto or black beans.

Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.

Directions with Pictures

Here's how to make salsa pork tenderloin in a crock pot and shred it.

1. Add ingredients to a slow cooker.

Pour a small amount of salsa in the bottom of the crock-pot, and place the pork tenderloins, the rest of the salsa, and sliced onions on top. Do not stack the pork tenderloins on top of each other.

Use the following timing guidelines to cook the pork. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your particular slow cooker and how it is filled.

• Low heat setting: 5-6 hours
• High heat setting: 3-4 hours

2. Shred pork and enjoy.

Use two forks to pull the pork tenderloin into shreds. It will be effortless if it's been cooked long enough!

I made the strands pictured pretty thin. Leave bigger chunks of meat if desired.

Stir to reincorporate the onions and juices before serving, or follow the steps below to crisp the meat.

How to Make Crispy Carnitas

Often, the meat for traditional carnitas is browned or crisped before serving. Since pork tenderloin has minimal fat, the result is not very pronounced but is still an option.

Here's how to make crispy pork carnitas:

1. Once the pork tenderloin is cooked and shredded, spread it out on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil in an even layer. Drizzle with some of the cooking liquid or a bit of olive oil.
2. Broil the meat in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until the edges become golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-browning or burning.

Ways to Use Salsa Pork Tenderloin Carnitas

Carnitas meat is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.

1. Use it to make pork tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. It's fantastic layered in burrito pie. Use low-carb flour tortillas to keep the carb count down.
2. Make pork nachos. Use homemade low-carb tortilla chips if you're counting carbs.
3. Use it as a filling in quesadillas or empanadas.
4. Pile it on rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to make delightful burrito bowls.
5. Turn it into sandwiches or sliders.
6. Add it to soups or stews. Try it in easy chicken tortilla soup.
7. Serve over salad greens with easy taco salad dressing.

Looking for topping ideas? 4-ingredient guacamole, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, fresh lime juice, pico de gallo, and pickled pink onions are fantastic on these Tex-Mex-inspired dishes.

Storage

Store leftover carnitas meat in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or 2-3 months in the freezer.

When ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Drizzle with a little salsa if it's dry. Then reheat on low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed.

More Pork Tenderloin Recipes

📋 Recipe

This recipe was originally published on 2/18/16 and has been updated to improve the reader experience.