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Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Lettuce Wraps Recipe with Mango Salsa for Perfect Healthy Meals

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Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and topped with fresh, tangy mango salsa. A quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup orange juice (fresh if possible)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated and washed

Instructions

  1. Trim any thick excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the pork all over with cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the seasoned pork on top. Pour orange juice and lime juice over the pork. Add the bay leaf.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until pork is very tender and shreds easily.
  4. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks or meat claws. Discard bay leaf. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir to coat in cooking juices.
  5. While pork cooks, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt to taste and let rest.
  6. Optional: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until edges crisp up. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Assemble wraps by spooning warm carnitas into lettuce leaves and topping with mango salsa. Add optional garnishes like sliced avocado, sour cream, or hot sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh orange and lime juice for best flavor and tenderness. Broiling the shredded pork adds a crispy texture contrast. Butter lettuce is preferred for wraps but romaine or iceberg can be used. Store leftovers in airtight containers with cooking juices for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker carnitas, lettuce wraps, mango salsa, healthy meals, easy dinner, pork shoulder, low carb, gluten-free

Find it online: https://evabake.com/easy-slow-cooker-carnitas-lettuce-wraps-recipe-with-mango-salsa-for-perfect-healthy-meals/