Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food: Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork! This dish is not just a meal; it's a fiesta in your mouth, bursting with bold flavors and tender, juicy meat that practically falls apart at the slightest touch. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of seasoned pork, ready to be transformed into mouthwatering tacos or burritos. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a Mexican masterpiece that will leave your family and friends begging for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat the meat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a spice rub.
- Thoroughly coat the entire pork shoulder with the spice mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, positioning it in the center of the pot.
- Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the pork, being careful not to wash off the spice rub.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 8 hours until the meat is extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- After cooking time is complete, remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Optional: Strain the cooking liquid and mix a small amount back into the shredded meat to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Serve hot in tacos, burritos, or as a standalone main dish with your favorite Mexican-style accompaniments.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a well-marbled pork shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness. The fat will render down during cooking, keeping the meat moist.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spice rub to your taste. Add cayenne pepper for extra heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Don’t Rush It: For the best results, cook the pork on low heat for the full 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- Moisture Matters: If you find the shredded pork is a bit dry, mix in some of the cooking liquid after shredding. This will enhance the flavor and keep the meat juicy.
- Leftover Magic: Use any leftovers in a variety of dishes! Try them in quesadillas, on nachos, or even in a breakfast burrito for a delicious twist.
- Serve with Style: Pair your pulled pork with fresh toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges to elevate your dish and add freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 259kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
