Introduction
Indulge in the savory delight of slow-cooked, shredded pork shoulder, seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices and citrus undertones. This recipe is perfect for a family gathering or a casual taco night, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love. With minimal prep time and rich, tender results, this dish is not only delicious but also remarkably easy to prepare.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4–5 lbs. pork shoulder
5 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce (optional)
Juice of 2 limes
1/2 cup orange juice
12 ounces beer (a standard lager works great for this!)
1/2 cup salsa (preferably less chunky)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
8 hours
Total Time
8 hours 15 minutes
Yield
Serves approximately 8-10 people
Instructions
1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Roughly chop the garlic and rub it onto the meat.
2. Sprinkle the pork with salt, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and cayenne. Rub the seasonings onto the meat.
3. Add lime juice, orange juice, beer, and salsa to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
4. Shred the meat with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
5. Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the shredded meat on the baking sheet and pour a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid over the top.
6. Broil for 5-10 minutes or until the edges of the pork are browned and crispy.
7. Serve on tortillas with fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime juice.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Pork Shoulder
Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Roughly chop the garlic and rub it onto the meat.
Season the Meat
Sprinkle the pork with salt, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and cayenne. Rub the seasonings thoroughly onto the meat for even flavor distribution.
Add Liquids and Salsa
Pour lime juice, orange juice, beer, and salsa into the slow cooker around the meat. Make sure the pork is partially submerged in the mixture. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours.
Shred the Pork
Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the cooking liquid for added flavor.
Broil for a Crispy Finish
Preheat your broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drippings. Transfer the shredded pork onto the baking sheet and drizzle a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid over the meat.
Broil the Pork
Broil the shredded pork for 5-10 minutes, or until the edges become browned and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve
Serve the crispy pork on tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado, and additional lime juice for an enhanced flavor experience.
Notes
Cooking Time
Ensure to check the pork after the 8-hour mark for tenderness; it should easily shred when done.
Additions
Feel free to customize toppings according to preference. Consider adding diced onions or shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
Optional Spiciness
The chipotle hot sauce is optional; add it if you prefer a smoky heat to your dish.
Beer Selection
A standard lager is recommended for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other types of beer to achieve your desired flavor profile.
Storage
Leftover shredded pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Using a slow cooker allows the pork shoulder to cook gently, breaking down the tough fibers and resulting in tender, juicy meat. Cooking on low for 8 hours ensures that the flavors meld beautifully.
Flavor Infusion
Rubbing the pork with garlic and spices before cooking allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, enhancing the overall taste. The use of citrus juices like lime and orange adds brightness and balances the richness of the pork.
Shredding Meat
After slow cooking, using two forks to shred the pork directly in the cooker helps retain moisture and soak up the cooking juices, ensuring the meat remains flavorful and moist.
Broiling
Broiling the shredded pork adds a crispy texture to the edges, contrasting nicely with the tender meat. A few spoonfuls of cooking liquid drizzled on top keeps the meat from drying out while it crisps.
Serving Suggestions
Serving the pork on tortillas with fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime juice adds freshness to the dish and enhances the overall flavor profile, making for a delightful meal.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of pork shoulder?
Yes, you can use other cuts such as pork butt or even chicken thighs for a different flavor and texture, but the cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for beer in this recipe?
You can substitute with extra chicken or vegetable broth, apple cider, or even a non-alcoholic beer to maintain the moisture and flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper and omitting the chipotle hot sauce if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pork shoulder with the rub and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight before cooking it in the slow cooker.
What toppings go well with this dish?
Common toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, and various salsas, allowing for customization based on personal preference.
Conclusion
Cooking pork shoulder in a slow cooker allows the meat to become incredibly tender while absorbing the rich flavors of spices and citrus. The combination of garlic, cumin, chili powder, and other spices creates a delightful profile, making it perfect for tacos or burritos. The final broiling step adds a crispy texture, enhancing the overall experience.
Spicy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Serve the shredded pork on a toasted bun with coleslaw and pickles for a zesty twist.
Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Top your tortillas with a fresh pineapple salsa made from diced pineapple, onions, cilantro, and lime for a tropical flavor.
Pork and Quinoa Bowl
Combine the shredded pork with quinoa, black beans, corn, avocado, and a drizzle of lime vinaigrette for a nutritious meal.
Pork Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with shredded pork, cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Pork Fried Rice
Incorporate the shredded pork into fried rice with peas, carrots, and soy sauce for a delicious Asian-inspired dish.
Pork Chili
Use the shredded pork as a base for chili, adding beans, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty stew.
Cuban Pork Bowl
Serve the pork over rice with black beans, sweet plantains, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a Cuban-inspired meal.
