Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Bowls With Cabbage Slaw
Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder paired with a vibrant cabbage slaw and creamy avocado. This satisfying, low-carb bowl practically cooks itself, making dinner effortless.
Prep
15 min
Cook
480 min
Total
495 min
Makes
4 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
A steadier afternoon
Give your day a solid food foundation
Being properly fed cannot solve a hard day, but a substantial meal can remove hunger and an energy dip from the list of things you are juggling.
Notice: mood + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
480 min
Total
495 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Sheet pan · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Pork shoulder is incredibly freezer-friendly. Store leftover shredded meat in an airtight container with a little of its cooking juices for up to 3 months.
Do these three things first
- 1Prep bunch fresh cilantro (chopped), large avocado (sliced)
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
For the Carnitas
For the Cabbage Slaw
Topping
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 5 steps complete
Next: Place the pork shoulder in a slow…
- 01
Place the pork shoulder in a slow…
Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Season generously with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add water or broth to the bottom…
Add water or broth to the bottom of the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the pork is completely fork-tender.
Look for: the pork is completely fork-tender
Tap card to mark done - 03
Remove the pork from the slow cooker…
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks. For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil on high about 6 inches from the heat source for 3 to 5 minutes.
Allow: 3 to 5 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 04
Toss the shredded cabbage
In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, and lime juice with olive oil and a pinch of salt to create a vibrant, quick slaw. Massage the slaw with your hands for a minute to soften the texture.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Divide the cabbage slaw across four bowls
Divide the cabbage slaw across four bowls, top generously with the shredded carnitas, and garnish with sliced avocado.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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